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Miscellaneous Americana. 



A COLLECTION 



HISTORY, 
BIOGRAPHY AND GENEALOGY. 




PUBLISHED BY 

WILLIAM F. BOOGHER, 
Washington, D. C. 



Press of 

Dando Printing and Publishing Co. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 



1883— 1889— 1895. 






Entered AccounisG to Act of Congress in the Year 1889, 

Bv Wm. F, Boogher, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 






CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 



Epitome of Penn Wills, etc. By James Coleman, Esq. (Two Illustra- ^ 

The'^S Baptist' Churd; of Philadelphia." List' of Constituents and ^ 

other Members. By Horatio Gates Jones _ ; . 

Tra°scr!;tfromtheFamilyRecordoftheViningsofDelaware. W.th ^^ 

Annotations by Mrs. Ann Ridgely du Pont . • ■ ■ • • • _ _ • • 
Mrs. John Jay to Mrs. Robert Morris. With Introduct:on and Notes ^^ 

by Charles Henry Hart ^ 

Epigram ■,^ 4S 

Robert Morris, of O.'.ford.Md. (Illustrated) ^3 

Hon. Henry Moore Ridgely, of Delaware ...•■: 

Indenture of Appenticeship of William Kinnersley.. 55 

Historical Papers. With Annotations 

Colonel Thomas White. By Thomas H. Montgomery .._^.- -^ 

Opening of the States General, 1789. Communicated by Charles Henry ^^ 

Hart .80 

SSSl^^JohnIIowa;dPayn. ' By F;anc;s Harold Duffle ^^ 93 
Colon rciement^Biddle. Communicated by Walter Livmgston 

Cochrane Biddle, with Notes. (With three Illustrations . o 

William Strahan to David Hall. With Introduction and Notes -^ _ "7 

Materials for American Ante-Revolutionary History. Compiled by ^^^ 

Henry Phillips, Jr • 

Lord Erskine to Robert Walsh. With Note ^J^ 

?SS:l?of'theUnitedStatesofAmeri;a: By Henry'phinips; Jr. . :45 
Rev. James Abercombie, D. D. With Notes ^=^ 

TteW...l.Socfc.yorPhil.ddpUi.. lJ,Hor.t,oG..»J.«.. ■ y ■ ^J" 

Charter Members • • „, 

Transcript from the Bible of Timothy Matlack ^/^ 

Dr. William Shippen. By Charles H. Hart ! ... 177 

The Parish in Virginia j^g 

Sl^rS^^f^^H^mersley to' His Excellen^' Horatio 
"shS- Enquire, Governor of theProvinceofMaryland,Relat,ve to ^^^ 

the Colonies 210 

Tames Greenleaf to Sylvanus Bourne, Esq. . • ; ■ ". 

Warrant for the Arrest of Robert Morris, First Financier ^^i 

Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Chatham, 1814 210-220 

Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Dartmoor • • ^^^^ 

Letters from General U. S. Grant . . 223 

Letter from Hon. John F. Long 1 '!! 224 to 227 

Index to Annotations (only) 

(iv) 



Respectfully Dedicated 

TO THE 

Historical Department ok The American University, 
Washington, D. C. 



(iii) 



PORTRAITS. 



•I Penn Tombs Frontispiece. 

/Mrs. John Jay 26 

y Robert Morris 45 

/ Hon. Henry M. Ridgely 53 

./ John Howard Payne 93 

/ Hon. David Erskin I34 

y Hon. Thomas Erskin I35 

y Lady Frances Erskin 138 

y Timothy Matlack I73 



ARMS AND CRESTS. 



■^Ridgely 53 

i Cadwalader 70 

i Biddle 70 

i Williams 70 

I White 70 

/Erskin 13S 

y Abercrombie 15°/^ 



(v) 



PREFACE. /3 



The publisher's first intention was to issue these fragments 
of history in monthly parts ; but, on account of professional 
engagements and a consequent lack of time, he has concluded 
to combine the whole in one volume under the comprehensive 
title of Miscellaneous Americana. His only apology for the 
publication is his earnest desire to rescue from oblivion historical 
matter which he deems of great value, and to preserve it in con- 
venient shape for the use and benefit of future historians. 

Special acknowledgments are due to Mr. Charles Henry 
Hart, Mr. Horatio Gates Jones and Mr. Henry Phillips, for kind 
assistance ; and also to Mr. James Coleman, of London, Eng- 
land, from whose collection I selected much valuable material, 
including many of William Penn's private papers. 

Wm. F. Boogher, 

Washington, D. C. 

July ^th, i8()5. 



(vii) 




lONNE AND TWO DAVGHTEK'; Sdtt D^1:D 

'TT!E -t«^'"DAv OF ]So\xnbi:k Anno Dniioj^' Hel 



«l./#rf />«■ r riW fcr W~ >'«iW»«- 



Anrirnt (Jninbd in ]^fnn (Chnrrh 
BnrbUXlFnfilanD. 




BY WHOME HEE HAD ISSVE FIVE bONNES AND nVE DAVOHTEliS 
I?EE Di:iitfTEr?THIS LIFJE. THi. SfcCQND 05, IVLYT^i'.Pia i 6,4: it., 



Cofitm^kiKtl See. 27 laaz fy W^FBooah^,- 






HISTORY, 

BIOGRAPHY AND GENEALOGY. 



EPITOME OF PENN WILLS,* ETC. 

All which have been Proved, and are Deposited in 
THE Probate Court of the Archbishop of Canter- 
bury, Doctors' Commons, London, from 1450 to 1700. 




OHN PENNE, Citizen and Mer- 
cer of London, to be buried in 
St. Albans de Wode strata, Lon- 
don. He mentions Alice his 
Wife, his Sons Ralph, John, and 
Thomas Penna, his Daughters 
Alice, Mary, and Margaret, 
Witnessed by his wife's father, 
Thomas Ffereby, Executors, 
John Lok and Wilton Grand. 

Proved 7 Sep., 1450. 

Richard Pen, Citizen and 
Taillor of London, to be buried in the Chapel of St. Ann in 
the Church of St. Bride, Flete Street. Mentions his 
Brothers John and Richard Pen, his Sister Lewce, and 
his Nephew, Thomas Everton. He gives to his brother 
John the gown that was his wife's. Proved 2 Ap., 1504. 



* Compiled by James Coleman, Esq., London. 



2 EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 

Thomas Penne, of Stone Stratforde, Co. Bucks, Tan- 
ner, to be buried in the Parish Church of St. Giles, 
Lincoln. Mentions his Sons Roger, Thomas and John, 
and Daughter Margaret. 

Proved by John, the Executor, 13 Feby., 1559. 

John Penne, Esq., to be buried in the Church of Co- 
dynte. Gives to each of his Daughters, Ellen, Elizabeth, 
and Dorothy, £^0 when married. He mentions his Son, 
Robert; makes his Wife Lucy, Executrix. 

Proved 6 May, 1559, by his Relict; another Grant to 
Gyles Penne, 10 Oct., 1560. 

Anthony Penne, of London, Esq. Mentions his Wife 
Julyan, Brother William, Sister Cisley; he also mentions 
Michael, Clement, and Baptist Hickes. 

Proved by his Relict, 17 July, 1572. 

Gilhert Pen, of Fforburie parish, of Bromsgrove. 
Mentions his Mother, his wife Johanna, and his Son-in- 
Law William Chaunce. 

Proved 2 June, 1773, by Johanna, his Relict. 

John Pen, of Fisked, Co. Somerset, Yoeman, to be 
buried in the Cathedral Church of Wells. Mentions his 
Sons, John, Henry, and Edward, his Daughters Agnes, 
Mary and Alice, his Daughter-in-Law Jesse Taylor, and 
his Sister Ellner Strowde. 

Proved by Agnes, his Relict, 14 May, 1575. 

Edward Pen, of Fyfed. Mentions his Sisters Agnes, 
Mary, and Ales Pen, Ales Chamber, and Joane Comb. 
Proved by his Brother John, 18 Deer., 1579. 

Henry Pen, of Fyfehed to be buried in the Cathe- 
dral of Wells. Mentions his Sisters Agness, Mary, and 
Ales Pen, his Brothers John and Edward Pen. Commit- 
ted to his Brother John, his Brother Edward being then 
dead. Proved 18 Deer., 1579. 



EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 3 

Richard Penne, Citizen and Bucher of London. Men- 
tions his Son William, and his wife Margarett, his wives 
Brothers, Sons, and Daughters, Adam, William, Alice, 
Barbra and Margarett. 

Proved March 26, 1584, by Margarett, his Relict 

Anthony Penne, of Pedmore, Co. Worcester, Gent. 
Mentions his Mother Elizabeth, his Brother Humphry, 
his four children, Roger, Henry, Ursula, and Martha, his 
sister Ann Combye, the children of his Sister Ann 
Combye, William Jone, Kathrine, Philip ; his sister Joice 
Taylor, and her children, Anthony, Agnes, Mary, Mar- 
garet and Elizabeth Taylor, his Sister Mary Pearman, 
wife of Hugh Pearman and her children, Anthony, John, 
Nicholas, Jane, and Anne Pearman, his Brother Francis 
Penne, and his children Edmund and Elizabeth ; his 
brother Gilbert P( nne, his Son-in-Law, John Cartwright, 
Brother-in-Law John Harle, his wife Elizabeth. Execu- 
tors, his Brothers John and Francis, Brother Humphry, 
Overseer. Proved 12 Nov., 1586, by John and Francis. 

Anthony Penne, Citizen and Mercer of London, to be 
buried in St. Mary Magdalen, Milk Street. Mentions 
his Mother Mrs. Julian Penne. Mentions his Brothers 
(in Law) Clement Hickes, Michael Hickes, his sister 
Elizabeth wife of my Brother Baptist Hickes. 

Proved the last of August, 1591. 

Gilbert Penn, of the Fenn Parish of Belbroughton, 
Sythsmith. Mentions his Sons William, John and Os- 
wald Penn, his wife Margarett, and Daug. Elizabeth, his 
Brother William, and Brother-in-Law John Wakeman, of 
Bewdley Proved 18 Deer., 1591, by his Relict. 

John Penn, of Penn, Co. Bucks, Esq., has a son Wil- 
liam Penn, a son John, son Griffyth, son Edward, and a 
son Francis. Brother Thomas, Brother Edward, and a 
Nephew Edward Penn. Daughter Martha, and a sister, 



4 EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 

wife of John Eden. Mentions Mr. John Walliston, and 
his Friend Nowell Sotheston. Proved 6 Oct., 1596. 

William Penn, of Kings Sutton, County of North- 
ampton, has Sons, Thomas, Michael, WiUiam, and John 
Penn, a Daughter Margarett, and his Wife (is encient). 
Brother Richard, Sisters Dorothy, Johan Penn, his 
Mother Christian, and Agnes Caddie, his Mother-in-Law. 
Proved by Margt. his reHct, 1 8 Oct., 1 596. 

John Penne, of Great Sherston, Co. Wilts. Mentions 
his Sons John, Robert, Thomas, and William; and 
Daughter Joane Penne. 

Proved by John and Joane, 20 June, 1599. 

Edward Penn, of Middleton, Co. Northampton, Yeo- 
man, has a Brother Thomas, of Banbury, and Sons, John, 
Thomas, Edward, William, and Mathew; and Daughters, 
Margarett and Elizabeth. 

Proved 9 Oct., 1610, by his Brother, John Penn. 

Robert Penn, of Westerleigh, County of Gloucester. 
Mentions a Daughter Eleanor, a Son Robert, to whom 
he gives the living of Sherston, Co. Wilts, a Daughter 
Agnes, and a Wife Ann. Proved 21 Jany. 1611. 

Francis Penne, of Bobbington, Co. Stafford, Gent., to 
be buried at Bobbington. Mentions his Daughters, 
Mary, Anne, Margarett, and Magdalen, and Sister-in- 
Law, Margarett Gray, Son Edward, and Wife Constance, 
Brother-in-law John Brodock, and John Duke, Gentle- 
men, to be Overseers. Proved 31 December, 161 3. 

Oswald Penn, of Belbroughton, Co. Worcester, Yeo- 
man. Mentions his only child William Pen, and Sisters 
Ann and Dorothy. 

Proved 4 May, 161 6; another Grant in 1629, to Ann 
the Widow of William Pen. 



EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 5 

William Penn, of King's Sutton, has Brothers Henry, 
William, Richard, Thomas, and Michael, and Sisters 
Margery, Margaret, and Elizabeth. 

Proved 13 Oct., 161 7. 

Thomas Penne, of Stony Stratford, Co. Bucks, Gent. 
Mentions his Sons Micheal, Thomas, and William, 
Daughter Catherine, Grandson Thomas Franklin, Grand 
Grace Michell, Thos. Son of my Brother Edward, and 
Wife Grace. Proved 10 October, 161 8. 

Thomas Penne, of Ryd, County of Sussex, Yeoman, to 
be buried at Ryd. Mentions his Brother William and 
Sister Margarett Harvey, Thomas Son of his Brother 
William, and his own Son Thomas. 

Proved 28 June, 1628. 

John Penn, of Arundell, Co. Sussex. Mentions his 
Wife Ursula, his Brother Jacob, a Sister, the Wife of 
Wm. Cornelison. and Sister Elizabeth Sansum. 

Proved 8 Oct., 1637. Ursula the widow died and her 
Will was proved in 1637. 

William Penn. Mentions his Good Friend and 
Mistress the Right Honourable Margarett Lady Wotton, 
and makes her Sole Extrix., his Brother-in-law Richard 
Keeling, his Godson William Allen, and Godson 
Michael Page. Proved 25 May, 1637. 

Richard Penn, of Peterfield, Co. Southampton, Yeo- 
man. Mentions his Sons Laurance and John Penn, and 
Daugr. Magdalen. Proved 1639. 

John Penn,* of Penn, Co. Bucks, to be buried in the 
Church of Penn. Mentions his wife Sarah, Sons William 
and John, Cozen Sibel and Uncle Francis. 

Proved by his Relict, 21 Oct., 1641. 



*See illustration. 



6 EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 

George Penn, of Westerham in Kent, Yeoman. 
Mentions Catherine, Benjamin, and John Bonwicke. 

Proved 24 April, 1646. 

William Penn, of Rawdon, Co. Wilts, Gentleman. 
Gives all his Estate and Effects to William, Son of 
Thomas Gale, of Chippenham, and makes him sole Ex. 

Proved 1 1 Deer., 1 648. 

Robert Penn, of Radway, Co. Warwick, Yeoman. 
Mentions his Sons William, Richard, Zachary, and John ; 
and Daughters Mary, Anne; Grandson Robert Penn, 
and Granddaughter Elizabeth, and Brother Giles, and 
Wife Elizabeth. Proved 25 May, 1650. 

William Penn, of Drayton, Co. Worcester. Mentions 
his Sons William and John, his Daughter Ann and Mary, 
and Wife Margarett. 

Proved by his Relict, 26 September, 1654. 

Edmund Penn, of Littleton Packington, Co. Warwick, 
Gentleman. Mentions his Sons Thomas, Francis, and 
Humphry Penn, and Daughter Constance, and Grandson 
Edward Wilson, and his Wife Elizabeth. Proved 1654. 

Thomas Penn, of Co. Hertford, Gentleman, to be 
buried in his own Chapel. Mentions his Wife Alice, his 
Sons John, Francis, William, Simon, Jonathan, and 
Robert Penn, and Daughters, Ellen and Alice, and 
Grandson Thomas Kirke. Proved 29 Jany., 1655. 

Simon Penn, of Clements Lane, London, Surgeon. 
Mentions his Mother Alice, and Sister Eleaner and 
Brother Francis. Proved 1655. 

Gilbert Penn, of Cakborow, Co. Worcester, Yeoman, 
aged 80 years. Mentions his Nephews, Sons of his 
Brother John, viz., John, William and Gilbert, and Mar- 
garett, Elizabeth, and Mary, their Sisters. 

Proved 15 May, 1656. 



EPITOME OF PENN WILLS. 7 

Sir William Penn, of London. 

William Penn, of Petworth in Surrey. Gives all his 
Estate to Emma Markin, of Petworth, and make her sole 
Executrix. Proved 30 Sepr., 169 1. 

Oliver Penn, of Stony Stratford, Co. Bucks. Men- 
tions his Brother William, of London, Inholder, his Son 
Oliver, his Grandchildren Catherine, Olive, Mary, John 
and Elizabeth Busby, his Daughter Mary Busby, his 
Wife Anne, and his Kinswoman Sarah, the wife of Henry 
Honour. Proved 25 July, 1692. 

William Penn, of Penn Place, Co. Bucks, Esq. Men- 
tions his Father William, his Sisters Martha, Elizabeth, 
and Henrietta Penn; makes Sir Nathaniel Curson his 
Executor. Proved 15 June, 1696. 

Oswald Penn, of His Majesty's Ship Shrewsbury. 
Mentions his Wife Mary, of Christ Church, Surrey. 

Proved by his Relict, 8 Apl., 1697. 

Giles Penn, of St. Mary's Whitechapel. Gives all his 
Estate to Susan Butler. Proved 26 March, 1698. 

Sarah Penn, of Penn, Co. Bucks, widow. Mentions 
her Son Roger and three Daughters, Martha-Elizabeth, 
Catherine, and Henrietta. Proved 16 Jany., 1699. 




THE 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA: 

LIST OK CONSTITUENTS AND OTHER EARLY MEMBERS. 
By Horatio Gates Jones. 



THERE are few Baptist churches in America around 
which cluster so many interesting associations as the 
First Church of Philadelphia. Until May 15th, 1746, it 
and the Pennepek, or Lower Dublin Church, were one. 
But as early as 1 686 the celebrated John Holme arrived 
in Pennsylvania and "settled in the neighborhood," as 
Morgan Edwards says. In 1 696 John Farmer and wife 
arrived, and in 1697 Joseph Todd and Rebecca Woosen- 
croft " came to the same neighborhood." In 1 698 Rev. 
John Watts baptized William Silverstone, William Elton 
and wife, and Mary Shepherd. These nine persons, on 
the second Sunday of December, 1 698, assembled at a 
house on Barbadoe's Lot (north-west corner of Chestnut 
and Second streets), and, as Mr. Edwards says, "did coal- 
esce into a church for the communion of saints, having 
Rev. John Watts to their assistance." Until May 1 746, 
the pastor of Pennepek also acted as pastor of Philadel- 
phia, but in that year it was deemed best, for prudential 
reasons, to separate from the mother church of Pennepek 
and become a distinct organization. At this time, Rev. 
Jenkin Jones was pastor of the joint churches, and he 
chose to cast his lot with that of Philadelphia, where it 
appears he was then living. He was a native of Llandy- 
doch, Pembrokeshire, Wales, came to America in 17 10, 

(S) 



THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. g 

Avas called to the ministry at Welsh Tract, Delaware, in 
1724, and in 1725 became the pastor of Pennepek and 
Philadelphia churches. He died July i6th, 1760, at 
the age of 74 years. Since the death of Mr. Jones, 
this church has had the following pastors, viz.: Morgan 
Edwards,! A. M.; William Rogers,^ D. D.; Elhanan 
Winchester;^ Thomas Ustick,* A. M. ; William Staugh- 
ton,^ D. D.; Henry Holcombe,^ D. D.; William T. 

' Morgan Edwards was born in Wales, May 9th, 1722, and became pastor of the 
Philadelphia church May 23d, 1761. He was the prime mover in founding Rhode 
Island College, now Brown University. He wrote a History of American Baptists, and 
■designed to publish thirteen volumes, but only the Pennsylvania and New Jersey vol- 
umes were printed. During the Revolution Mr. Edwards adhered to the British side, 
and was the only American Baptist minister who was a Tory. He died January 28th, 
1795, aged 73 years. 

' William Rogers, D. D., was bom in Newport, R. I., July 22d, 1751. Dr. Guild 
says he was the first, and for several days, the only student of Rhode Island College. 
He graduated in 1769, and in May, 1 772, was ordained pastor of the Philadelphia 
church. He enjoyed great popularity, and during the Revolution he was a Brigade 
Chaplain in the Continental Army. In 1789 he was appointed Professor of Oratory 
and Belles-lettres in the University of Pennsylvania, and held that office until 181 1, 
when he resigned. He died April 7th, 1824, universally beloved and lamented. 

' Mr. Winchester was bom in Brookline, Mass., September 30th, 1 751, and after an 
active career in various parts of America and England, died in Hartford, Conn., April 
1 8th, 1797. He was an able and eloquent preacher, and published a large number of 
works. It was while he was pastor of the church that he became a Restorationist, now 
■called Universalist. His departure from the Baptist faith caused great excitement, and 
the majority of the members adopted his views. The minority, however, obtained 
possession of the meeting house, and the case was carried to the Supreme Court of 
Pennsylvania, which decided that the majority had departed from the Philadelphia 
Baptist Confession of Faith, and that the minority, who adhered to it, must be regarded 
-as the true Baptist Church of Philadelphia. 

* Mr. Ustick was bom in New York, August 30th, 1753, graduated at Brown Uni- 
versity in 1 77 1, and became pastor of the First Church in 1782. He died in Burling- 
ton, N. J., in 1803. 

' William Staughton, D. D., was one of the first of American preachers. He was 
bom at Coventry, England, January 4th, 1770; came to America in 1793; became 
pastor of the First Church in 1 805 , but resigned in 1 8 1 1 , and after a pastorate of twelve 
years of the Sansom Street Church, became President of Columbian College, D. C, and 
then of Georgetown College, Ky. He died December 12th, 1829. 

' Henry Holcombe, D. D., was bom in Prince Edward County, Va., September 
-22d, 1762, and while a child his father settled in South Carolina. He was in the 
Continental Army, but in after life was an advocate of peace principles. He was 
ordained in 1785, and labored as pastor of several churches in South Carolina and 
Georgia. He became pastor at Philadelphia in January, 1 81 2, and after a brief illness, 
■died May 22d, 1824. 



lO THE J-IKST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 

Brantly,' D. D.; George Barton Ide,'' D. D.; James H. 
Cuthbcrt,^ D. D., and George Dana Boardman/ D. D. 

Some years since, a daughter of Mr. Ustick placed in 
my hands a manuscript volume, which purported to con- 
tain a list of all the constituents of the church, and alsa 
of those who were baptized or were received by letter, up- 
to about 1 776. 

These names I now give, with such memoranda as are 
appended to the manuscript. It will be observed that 
during a part of its history, the church practiced the rite 
of Laying on of hands, on those received by baptism, a 

' Dr. Brantly was born in Chatham County, N. C, January 23d, 1787, and gradu- 
ated with distinction in 180S, at South Carolina College, at Columbia. In 1809 he 
\va.s ordained in Augusta, da.; then became pastor at Beaufort, S. C, and in 1819 
returned to Augusta. In the spring of 1S26 he became pastor of the First Church, 
Philadelphia; was editor of The Columbian Star, and after a residence of twelve 
years in Philadelphia, returned to the South on account of his health. He became 
pastor of the Charleston Baptist Church, and President of the College of Charleston. 
lie died at Augusta, Ga., March 28th 1845. 

' Dr. Ide was born in Coventry, Vt., in 1804, and was graduated at Middlebury 
College. He commenced the study of law at Brandon, Vt., but he became a Christian, 
and devoted himself to preaching the precious gospel. After several brief country- 
pastorates, he was called to Albany, N. V., where he remained four years, and theik 
went to Boston. In 1S38 he came to Philadelphia, and at once took high rank as a. 
preacher. He was for years the most powerful and eloquent preacher in Philadelphia. 
In 1852 he resigned, and was called to the First Church of Springfield, Mass., where 
he died. 

• Dr. Cuthbert was bom December 13th, 1S23, in Beaufort, S. C. He graduated at 
IVinceton College, N. J., in 1843, and returned home with the intention of studying^ 
law, but was converted under the preaching of his uncle, the celebrated Dr. Kichard. 
Fuller, in 1844; then he resolved to devote his life to the ministry. He was ordained 
in 1847. In 1855 he came to Philadelphia, where, as pastor of the First Church, he 
was universally beloved. In 1S61 he removed to Augusta, Ga., and is now pastor of 
tlie P'irst Baptist Church, W.-ishington, D. C. 

* Dr. Boardman was bom in Tavoy, Burmah, -August l8th, 1823. His parents 
were George Dana and Sarah Boardman, who sailed July l6th, 1825, from America for 
Calcutta, as missionaries of the Baptist Triennial Convention. At six years of age 
young Boardman sailed for America, and traveled the distance alone. He graduated 
at Brown University in 1S52, and from Newton Theological Institution in 1855. He 
was ordained at Bamwell Court House, S. C, in December, 1855 ; in 1856 settled ia 
Rochester, N. Y., as pastor of the Second Baptist Church, and in May, 1864, became 
pastor of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, where he still remains, justly 
bohored by the community and beloved by his church. 



THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. \ E 

custom now observed, I think, only by the Second Church, 
the Roxborough, and the Lower Merion in this part of 
the State. 

Constituents. — Rev. Jenkin Jones, pastor, Rev. Ebe- 
nezer Kinnersley,^ William Branson, elder, Augustin Still- 
man, elder, Andrew Edge, Thomas Pearse, Stepherv 
Anthony, Samuel Ashmead, Matthew Ingles, John Perkins, 
John Standeland, Robert Shewell, John Biddle, Josepk 
Crean, Henry Hartley, John Lewis, Joseph Ingles, Sam- 
uel Burkilo, John Catia, Thomas Byles, John Bazeley„ 
Samuel Morgan, Lewis Rees, Mary Standeland, Hannah 
Farmer,^ Mary Catla, Ann Yerkes, Mary Burkilo, Mary- 
Prig, Hannah Crean, Ann Davis, Hannah Bazeley, Jane 
Giffin, Edith Bazeley, Alee Clark, Lavinia Greenman„ 
Mary Ball, Uslaw Lewis, Jane Loxley, Esther Ashmead, 
Hannah Jones, Sarah Branson, Catharine Anthony, Jane 
Pearse, Mary Edge, Mary Valecot, Elizabeth Shewell„ 
Mary Middleton, Frances Holwell, Elizabeth Sallows, 
Mary Morgan, Ann Hall, Phoebe Hartley, Ann White,. 
Ruth Flower, Elizabeth Byles, Sarah North. Men 23, 
women 35, total 58. In his history Mr. Edwards gives, 
the names of only 56. 

The manuscript then gives the following additions, viz. : 
I 748. Arnold Francis, Elizabeth Francis ; received May 

8th, from Great Valley. 
1750. Walker Test, Michael Helton, Esther Tommins,. 
Susannah Hall ; baptized May loth, by J. Jones. 
" John Martin, John Linington ; baptized July 5th,, 
by J. Jones. 
I 75 1 . Mary Harris, Martha Thornhill ; baptized Septem- 
ber 5th. 

' Mr. Kinnersley was a Professor in the College of Philadelphia for many years, 
and acquired great prominence for the discoveries he made in electricity. He died* 
July 4th, 1778. 

^ Mrs. Farmer was probably the widow of John Farmer, and was one of the nine 
who, in December, 1698, met in the house on " Barbiadoe's Lot." 



I 2 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 

1754. George Weed, Joshua Moor, Sarah Persons ; bap- 

tized September 7th, in Schuylkill. 
" Amos Evans, Margaret Cooch, Catharine Stan- 
deland, Susannah Lewis ; baptized October 4th, 
in Schuylkill. 

1755. William Powell, Joseph Powell, Mary Rush, 

Susannah Woodrow; baptized August 7th, in 

Schuylkill. 
" Henry Woodrow, received August 7th, from 

Middletown. 
■" Elenor Kesler, baptized October ist, in Schuylkill. 
" Mary Rose, received October 12th, from Pen- 
nepek. 

1756. Abraham Levering,^ Ann Levering, Edward 

Middleton, Mary Burkllow, Tamar Edwards, 

Catherine Morgan, Hannah Morgan; baptized 

September 1 1 th, in River Schuylkill. 
" Nanny, (a black), baptized September iith. 
3761. William Coffin, Martha Coffin, Rachel Davis, 

Esther Moor; received from Montgomery-, 

February 2d. 
" Philip Thomas, MaryThomas, Septimus Levering, 

Mar)- Levering; received June ist, from Great 

Valley. 
■" Samuel Davis, baptized July i ith, in Delaware, by 

Mr. Edwards. 
" Elizabeth Church, Elizabeth Hopkins, Catherine 

Cochlin ; baptized July 19th, in cistern. • 
" Thomas Francis, baptized August 6th, in Dela- 
" ware. Stephen Watts, baptized August 1 2th, 

at Southampton. 

'Mr. and Mrs. Levering were residents of Roxborough, and became in 1789 
•constituents of the Roxborough Baptist Church. 

' This is the first instance that I know of where baptism \v.is administered ia 
Philadelphia, except in a river. 



THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 1 T^ 

1 761. Isaac Jones,^ George Westcott, Ann Barnes; 

baptized August 1 3th. 
" Mary Bartholomew, Esther James; received 

September 7th, from Southampton. 
" Joseph Watkins, Catherine Bartholomew, Mary 

Bartholomew; baptized September 9th, in 

Schuylkill. 
" Elizabeth Byles, Joanna Anthony, Francis Jones, 

Peter, a black ; baptized September 1 2th, in 

Schuylkill. 
" Benjamin Davis, Barnaby Barnes, Mary Edwards, 

Jemina Timberman, Susannah Morris; bap- 
tized October loth, in cistern. 
" Joseph Gardner, John Jackson, John Taylor; 

baptized October iith. 
" Isaac Belangee, restored December 5th. 
" Mary Thomas, received December 12th, from 

Vincent. 

1762. Mary Hellings, received January 9th from 

Pennepek. 
" William Perkins, Esther Davis; baptized April 

8th, in Schuylkill. 
" Hannah Stakes, baptized April loth. In the 

cistern. 
" Andrew Edge, John Iden, Joseph Williams, Mary 

Iden, Sarah Sallows, Sarah Gardner, Mary 

Wood; baptized June iith, in Schuylkill, and 

received into the church 13th following. 
" Sarah Edge, Mary Watkins, Francis Morrison ; 

baptized July loth, in Schuylkill. 
" Susannah McClenachan, Hannah Swanson;. 

baptized August 7th, in Schuylkill. 

' Mr. Jones was for many years an active officer of the church, and was long con- 
nected with the Hospital on Pine street. He was the father of Robert Strettle Jones^ 



1 4 W/iE F/MST BAPTIST CHUKCff OF PHILADELPHIA. 

•1762. Samuel Miles/ William Rigden, Sen.; baptized 
September 4th, in Schuylkill, and received 
September i 2th. 
1763. John Mason, Nehemiah Davis, John Morgan; 
baptized January 8th. 
" Grace Lloyd, William Jenkins; baptized March 
I ith, in the cistern. 
Joseph Moulder, Nicholas Co.x ; baptized May 
6th, in the Schuylkill. 
*' Sarah Moulder, Sarah Neaves ; baptized May 

19th, in the Schuylkill. 
*' John Thomas, Susannah Thomas; baptized June 

loth, in the Schuylkill. 
■" Elizabeth Holton, Thomas Shields; baptized July 
9th, in the Schuylkill. 
David Perr)', Ann Ruxby, Mary Hammit; bai> 

tized August 14th, in the Schuylkill. 
Rebecca Freek, Rebecca Potts, Charles Wilson, 
John Chatham, Abel Gibbon ; baptized Sep- 
tember 9th, in the Schuylkill. 
Sarah Thomas, received December 3odi, from 
Montgomery. 
\ 764. Mary Pugh, received January- 7th. 
" James Hunter, received February 4th. 

Martha Mason, baptized May 12th, in the 

Schuylkill. 
Jacob Hellings, Sarah Hodge, Sarah Harper, 
Lydia Morris; baptized August loth, in the 
Schuylkill. 

' This was the celebrated General Miles of the Revolution, who was bom at White 
Marsh, 1739. He was, in 1776, Colonel of a Regiment of Ritlemen, and was cap- 
tured at the Kittle of Long Island, but after his release was Deputy Quartermaster of 
the Army for Pennsylvania. After peace was declared he was electeil Mayor of the 
city, also a member of the Legislature, .ind he was a Judge of the Court of Errors and 
Appeals, He died September 29th, 1S05. 



THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 1 5 

1764. Jonah Thomas, baptized August nth, in the 

Schuylkill. 
" Mary Robinson, baptized November 2d, in the 
Schuylkill. 

1765. Mary Jones, Thomas Morris, Hannah Morris; 

baptized April i ith, in the Schuylkill. 
" Isabella Crane, Joan Thomas; received June 9th, 

from Great Valley. 
" Elizabeth Stephens, received October 20th, from 

Hopewell. 

1766. Benjamin Chamberlain, Susannah Rose; baptized 

June 6th, in Schuylkill. 

" John Rose, Hannah Drinker, Mary Moreton ; 
baptized July iith, in Schuylkill. 

" Pollydore and Nelly (blacks); baptized August 

9th. 

" Jacob Levering, baptized August 29th. 
J 767. William Harper, Sarah Bush; baptized February 
7th, in the Bath. 

" Elizabeth Shewell, baptized February 14th, in 
Schuylkill. 

" Ann Brading, baptized September 12th, by David 
Sutton. 

" Thomas Fleeson,' baptized September 20th. 

" Mary Sprogle, Samuel Olden; baptized Septem- 
ber 23d, in Schuylkill. 

" Elizabeth Morgan, Sarah Bearden ; baptized Sep- 
tember 26th, in Schuylkill. 

" John Whitton, George Ingles, Joseph Gilbert; 
baptized October 6th, in Schuylkill, by John 
Blackwell. 

• Mr. Fleeson was a son of Judge Plunket Fleeson, and was gifted with great 
musical taste.' He was the grandfather of William H. Fry, author of the opera of 
'■ Leonora." For many years he was totally blind. About the year 1800, he removed 
to Roxborough Township and preached fof^e church. He died in 1828. 



I 6 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 

I 767. John Stow, baptized November. 

Rebecca Barger, Mary Riche; received from 
New York. 

1768. Judith Fulton, received Februarj' 14th, from 

Pennepek. 

" Evan Jenkins, received from Welsh Tract. 

" Thomas Dungan, received June 12th, from South- 
ampton. 

" John Flintham, Samuel Woodbridge; baptized 
September 5th, in Schuylkill. 

" Isaac Powell, Elizabeth Morris; baptized Sep- 
tember I ith. 

1769. Matthias Maris, baptized May 15th. 

Sarah Magetigin, baptized August ist, by- 
Jonathan Jarman. 

" Margaret Levering, baptized June 3d, in Schuyl- 
kill. 

" Susannah DeNyce, John Drinker, Enoch Morgan, 
Erasmus Kelly,' Sarah Marsh; baptized June 
5th. 

" Mary Fox, Mary Rush ; baptized July 6th. 

" Elizabeth Paulin, Hannah Francis, "Joined Hall 
Church." 

" Mary Evans, Mary Powell ; baptized August lOth. 
Rebecca Young, baptized December 19th. 

1770. Charles McDonald, baptized April i6th. 
" Cloe Moor, (black,) baptized June 8th. 

" Sarah Connell, baptized June loth. 

" Ezekiel Letts, baptized July ist. 

" Hannah Anderson, baptized July 29th. 

' Erasmus Kelly was born July Z4lh, 1748, in Perkasie, Bucks County ; was gradu- 
ated at the College of Philadelphia in 1 77 1, and that same year became pastor of the 
First Baptist Church of Newport, R. I., where he died in 1784. That church had as 
its founder Dr. John Clarke, and as his successor the celebrated C)badiah Holmes, 
the proto-maityr of religious liberty in New England, who died October 16, 1682. 



THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. I 7 

1770. Mary Maris, baptized August 17th. 

" Martha Green, baptized September 8th, in 
Schuylkill, by Samuel Jones. 

1 77 1. Deborah Price, baptized May 6th. 
" Michael Hays, baptized May i6th. 
" Mary Boor, baptized July i6th. 

1772. Keziah Carlile, baptized March 7th, by Robert 

Kelsey. 
George Bright, Mary Moulder, Elizabeth Beazley; 
baptized April 9th, in Schuylkill. 

" Elizabeth Cook, Rebecca Toy ; Baptized May loth. 

" William Rogers, Minister, received by letter 
dated May 4th, from Newport, R. I. 

" Elizabeth Coburn, Francis Gardner, Mary Weed, 
Jacob Burkilow, John Levering; baptized June 
9th, in Schuylkill, by W. Rogers. 

" William Coats, John Jarman, John Brown ; bap- 
tized June I ith. 

" Mary Hanson, Thomas Morgan, Joseph Watkins, 
Sen.; baptized July 8th, in Schuylkill. 

" Abraham Mitchell, Ezekiel Robins, Hannah Gard- 
ner, Thomason Hellings, Martha Burkilow, 
Catherine Rentford; baptized in Schuylkill, 
August 4th, and received the first day of the 
week following into the church by Prayer and 
Imposition of hands. 

" Ezekiel Mirriam, Deborah Mirriam, Samuel 
Wright; baptized November, by W. Vanhorne. 

" Elenor Jones, baptized November 24th. 

" Sarah White, baptized December 3d. 

1773. Griffith Levering, Mary Paine; baptized January 

5th, in Schuylkill. 
" Martha Brooks, received February 14th, from 
Southampton. 



1 8 THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF rillLADELFlllA. 

1 773. Thomas Mackeness, Elizabeth Mackeness; baptized 
Marcli Slh, in Schuylkill, and received into the 
church the Sabbath following, by Prayer and 
Imposition of hands. 

" Mary Caruthers, received April 5th, from Cros- 
wicks. 

" Rachel Logan, Tamar Hardey; baptized May 7th, 
in Schuylkill. 
Martha Scott, Ann Biddle; baptized July 22d, in 
Schuylkill. 

" Alexander Galloway, Jane Nicholson; baptized 
October 6di. 
1 774. Sarah Trickett, received January 3d, from Andrew 
Gifford's Church, London. 

" Hannah Rush, I-ydia Gilbert; baptized March 
8th, in Schuylkill. 
Mary Parker, received April 4th, from New Mills. 

" Martha Clarke, received June 12th, from Mont- 

gomery. 

" John Connelly, baptized July 8th, in Schuylkill. 

1775. Richard Riley,' baptized in Delaware, November 

1st; joined die church September nth, 1776. 

1776. Prudence Flower, Christian Dick; baptized Sep- 

tember 13th, at Marcus Hook, in Delaware 

River. 
" Benjamin Thaw, Mary Morgan ; baptized October 

4th, in Schuylkill. 
" Abigail Farles, Rebecca Fleeson 

'Hon. Richard Riley was born September I4lh, 1735, and in 1765 was made a 
niajjistrate, and held office until our national independence was declared. He was a 
member of the Committee of Safety for Pennsylvania, served in the Legislature for 
two years, and in 1791 was appointed an Associate Ju<lgc. Judge Riley was a mem- 
ber of the Sansom Street Church until that at Marcus Hook was founded, when he 
Ixcame one of its constituent membere. He died August 27th, 1S20. 



THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA. 19 

The foregoing is an exact transcript of the document 
given to me by Miss Ustick, but it may be that the copy- 
ist did not compare his work with the original minutes. 
Indeed I am satisfied that several names were omitted. 

The minutes of tlie Church, for an examination of which 
I am indebted to Judge William B. Hanna, a Deacon of 
the First Church, state that on June ist, 1761, Rev. Mor- 
gan Edwards was received by letter from Penygarn, 
■South Wales. The minutes also state that on August 
3d, 1 761, Stephen Watts appeared for baptism, and this 
document shows that on the 12th of August he was bap- 
tized at Southampton, where his parents resided. 

They also state that on December 5th, 1761, Samuel 
Jones was "received into the Church by a letter of dis- 
mission and recommendation from Tulpehoken." He 
was a son of Rev. Thomas Jones, pastor of the Tulpe- 
hoken Church in Berks County; was a student at Isaac 
Eaton's Academy at Hopewell ; graduated at the College 
of Philadelphia in 1762, in the same class with Stephen 
Watts and William Hamilton, " of the Woodlands," and 
became pastor at Southampton and Lower Dublin. He 
died February 7th, 18 14, while pastor of Lower Dublin, 
.at the age of 79 years. 

It is my intention to present to the venerable First 
Baptist Church of Philadelphia, the small manuscript vol- 
ume containing the foregoing names, believing that such 
a document should form part of the Archives of this 
Mother Church. 

Poxborough^ Pkiladt-Ifhia^ January ()th, rSSj. 



TRANSCRIPT FROM THE FAMILY RECORD 
OF THE VININGS OF DELAWARE. 

Wi/A Annottilions by Mrs. Ann HiJ^ely du Pont. 

MARY, the wife of Benjamin Vining,' the daughter of 
Hugh and Mary Middleton, was born the i 7th day 
of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven 
hundred and five, at Barrenton Fields, her father's 
plantation, near Salem, New Jersey, America. Benjamin 
ViNiNG departed this life at "Barrenton Fields," Septem- 
ber, 1735, after two nights' and one day's sickness, and 
buried the second day of said month by Rev. Mr. Tranbury, 
Minister at said place. He left by his above-mentioned 
wife, three children, viz.: John Vining, born 1725; 
Benjamin Vining, born 13th August, 1731, (died aged 
7 years,) and M'ary Vining; said children all born at the 
Mansion House, "Barrenton Fields," near Salem, New 
Jersey. The first mentioned, Benjamin Vining, was 
buried in Salem Church, where his monument, with in- 
scription, is now standing. 

' Benjamin Vining came from New England to the City of Philadelphia, early in 
the last century. He resided there until about 1 722, when he removed to the town 
of Salem, New Jersey; here he was a highly respected and influential citizen and 
Warden of the Episcopal Church, in one of the aisles of which he is interred, his 
grave being covered with a marble slab bearing the following inscription: 

" In Memory of Benjamin Vining^ ^'J-, '^'^ Collector of Saltm and AfarbltkeaJ, 
in New England, and son of William fining, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, who 
died September 5th, 1735, aged 52 years, I month and 22 days." 

Benjamin Vining married Mary, daughter of Hugh Middleton, a Judge of Salem 
County, New Jersey, an early settler there and a large land-holder. " There is a 
tradition in the family, that Captain Vining, Uf)on his deathbed, said to his young and 
beautiful wife: 'I know that you will marry again, but will you solemnly promise 
me, on this my dying bed, to convey to our three children, all the large property you 
have received from your father?' This she promised to do, and some years after, 
when about to marry Nicholas Ridgely, she conveyed to her three sons hy her first 
husband, all the landed estate she possessed." She had one son, Dr. Charles Ridgely, 
and two daughters by her second husband. 

(20) 



THE VININGS OF DELAWARE. 2 I 

His widow, Mary, the daughter of Hugh Middleton 
and Mary his wife, was married in Salem, New Jersey, by 
the Rev. Peter Tranbury, of the Swedes Ministry', to 
Nicholas Ridgely, on Thursday evening at eight of the 
clock, December 23d, 1736, and they had a son born on 
Thursday night about 10 of the clock, January 26th, i 'j-i,'], 
{old style, new style 1738,) which son was baptized on 
the 6th of April, 1738, in Salem, New Jersey, and named 
Charles Greenberry; God fathers Mr. William Frazer, 
Collector of his Majesty's Customs at the Port of Salem, 
and Dr. Philip Chetwood; God mother Rachel Ridgely, 
daughter of the aforesaid Nicholas Ridgely by his first 
wife. Their children were Charles Greenberry-Ridgely, 
Sarah Ridgely and Elizabeth Ridgely. 

On Tuesday, the i ith day of December, (N. S.) 1761, 
departed this life, of apoplexy, Mary Ridgely, widow of 
Nicholas llidgely, who, when he married her, (she) was 
the widow of Benjamin Vining, of Salem County, New 
Jersey. She died at the mansion house and plantation of 
Nicholas Ridgely, (deceased,) near Dover, Delaware, 
known by the name of "Eden Hill." She was aged fifty- 
six years, six months and fourteen days, (O. S., twenty- 
five days by N. S.) This said Mary Ridgely left behind 
her John Vining, Mary Vining, children by the first mar- 
riage, and Charles Greenberry Ridgely, Sarah Ridgely, 
and Elizabeth Ridgely,^ the children by the second mar- 
riage who survived her. The aforesaid Mary, widow of 
Nicholas Ridgely, was buried in Christ Church grave yard, 
Dover, Del, beside her husband Nicholas Ridgely, and 
her daughter Mary, — the latter the wife of Charles Inglis, 
Missionary at Dover, afterwards Rector of Trinit>^ Church, 
New York, and Bishop of Nova Scotia. 

' Elizabeth Ridgely married Colonel Dorsey, of Elk Ridge, Anne Arundel Co., Ind., 
and left many children. 



2 3 THE VIS'INCS OF VKLAHAKF. 

lU-njainiii Viniii;^, tin- second son o{ Captain Bonjamin' 
Vining^ ami Mary his wife, died at tlic Mansion House, at 
Harrenton iMelils, Salem County, near Salem Town, in the 
western Jerseys, beinj^ ai^etl seven years, seven months and 
nineteen (.lays, and was luiried in his father's trrave in the 
Chiinh in Salem Town; ho dieil first day of April, 1739. 

lohn Vinino,' the tlrst son of Captain Benjamin Vining, 
and Mary his wife, was brought up by his step-father^ 
Nicholas Ritiy^ely, in Dover, Del. 1 le was a distin- 
jjuished man in the three Counties on the Dela- 
ware, justice tW tin- Peace, and Speaker of the House, 
and Chief Justice ^^i Delaware, then called "die 
three Lower Counties o\\ the Delaware." He died 
on a visit to his Aunt, Mrs. Mary Roberts, who" 
lived aUnit four miles distance from the town of Salem,, 
in West Jersey, and was buried in die Salem Church, in. 
Salem Town, bv the Rev. Mr. Rc">ss, Missionar\- at New 
Castle. Said John X'ininof died on the ij;di day of 
December, 1770. in the forty-sixth year of his age; he 
was born in the Mansion House. Barrenton Fields,^ near 
S;dem. New Jersey. Anno Domini 17.14. 

' John Vining, «w vi Benjamin anJ Mary Vining, marrie*.! hn;t a daughter of 
Nicholas Rivlgely, by his first marriage, and on her decease, he married Pha-be-, 
dau);hler of Alwaham ami Mary Wynkixip, He re\.-eived from his mother a larp; 
traot of land in Salem tVvmty, Imt, with his sister Mary, was taken to IViver, IVIawaic, 
l<y his mother. Mrs, Kivlgely. and steivf.;ther, Nicholas Ridgely. (.''n attaining nian- 
hvHHl, .such was the exaltevl character he sustuinevl. that he »-.vs elevatixi to the highest 
t^tlivrs in IVlaware, Chief Jvistice. &c. *.Mi one of his visits to Salem, he vras taken 
sick and died, and was Inirievl in an aisle of its Episcojial Church, (St. John's). 
C\HW the suxue co>'erinj; his sepulchre is this epitaj^h: "In memory of the Hon. 
1i.\hn Vininj:, Fjujuire. Sj^eaker of the three I o»-er Counties of IVlaware, who departed 
this life NowmlxT Ijllh, 1770, «ge\l fort>-six years. He had two sons by his first 
wife, Rachel Kidprly, (Uenjaiuinand Nicholas,^ whodievl. full of piwm^se, before their 
father ; ai\d by his second wife, (who was the aunt of Chancelor Nicholas Ridgely\ 
.■M>raham. wh\> dievl. agcvl twv \Trars ; John aiKl Mary, Mary marricvl Rev. Charles 
li>j;les, MissKvruunf in IV^-er. atlerwanls rechw of Trinity Church. New York ; died and 
was iHiried next her UMther in IVv-er, Delaware. Charles Ingles \n;is afterwards. 
Kishop of Nov* Scv^tia. 

• ISanrntw* V"ields belonscvl to Juvl^ Hc^ Middletwn. and becar. ^ ihe property 
•f the V min^ thnni^h their mother. 



Till: t'-ZAZ/NC:; Of fJEf.A WARE. 



23 



The aforesaid John Vininj^ was married to Rachel 
Ridgely, the daughter of Nicholas Ridj^ely,' by his first 
wife, on the 20tli day of April, 1749, by the Rev. Arthur 
Usher, in the presence of Mr, and Mrs. James Gorrell, 
Benjamin Chew and Mary his wife, Nicholas Ridgely and 
Mary his wife.'^ The children of this marriage were 
lienjamin and Nicholas Ridgely. .Said sons died before 
their father. 

Rachel Vininy, wife of the said John Vining, departed 
this life on 6th of November, 1753, at two of the clock, 
and was buried in Christ Church, Dover, Delaware, by 
Rev. Hugh Neil, near or under her father's (Nicholas 
Ridgely) pew. 

.Said John Vining was married to Phoibe Wynkoop, by 
the Rev. Mr. Rodney, of New Casde County, on the i6th 
day of January, 1755, at the house of Thomas Wynkoop, 
of Sussex County, in the presence of Mrs. Mary Wyn- 
koop, Nicholas Ridgely, Esq., Thomas Wynkoop, 
Benjamin Wynkoop, and Mary Vining. 

"Mary Vining,^ daughter of the above John and Phrjtbe 
"Vining, was born at his house, about two miles from 
"Dover, on .Saturday, the 20th day of August, seventeen 
"hundred and fifty-six, at four of the clock, in the pre- 
"sence of Mrs. Mary Wynkoop and Mrs. Mary Ridgely, 
"grandmothers, and was baptized by Hugh Neil, Mis- 
"sionary at Dover, on the 1 5th day of .September 
"following." 

John Vining,'' third son of John Vining, and second 

' His .stepfather. 

' Father of Rachel Ridgely, and mother of John Vining. 

• The Revolutionary belle, who shall be the subject of a future sketch. 

*John Vining, the i>on of John Vining and Phr/rbe, his second wife, was bom at 
Dover, Delaware, 23d of December, A. D. 1758, where he was educated. He studied 
law with George Read, of New Castle, Delaware, was admitted to the bar, practiced 
in Dover, his residence, and soon distinguished himself, a.s may be inferred from the 
fact ofliis election to the United States House of Representatives in 1783, having only 



24 Tf^E VIXINGS OF DELA WARE. 

child by Phoebe, brother of the above named Mary, was 
born at his father's house near Dover, Delaware, on the 
23d day of December, 1758, at fort)--five minutes past six 
o'clock in the afternoon, in the presence of Mrs. Mary 
Ridgely, (grandmother of the said John) and Elizabeth 
Jackson, widow, and Mary Vining, his Aunt. God- 
mothers, were Mrs. Mary Ridgely and Mrs. Elizabeth 
Chew, wife of Benjamin Chew, Esq., and Godfather 
Caesar Rodney, Esq.; baptized by Rev. Hugh Neil, Mis- 
sionary at Oxford, Pennsylvania, on the 14th day of 
May, 1759. 

Abraham Vining, fourth son of John Vining, and third 
child by Phoebe his wife, was born at their house in 

just attained the age constitutionally required to qualify for membership to that body, 
and at that time it was not usual to advance young men to high offices. So strongly 
was the partiality of his fellow-citizens manifested for him, that he was called "the 
pet of Delaware." Poverty, because it would have compelled to industry and self- 
denial, would have been to him a boon, but an ample fortune was his by inheritance. 
In 1 793, he was elected to the Senate of the United States. How faithfully and with 
what distinction he sen-ed in Congress, the reader can judge from the following 
notices of John Vining, which I have collected from a recent historian : 

" In a Department of Foreign Affairs, — a mere continuation of the old department 
of that name — after an ineffectual attempt of Vining, of Delaware, (20th May, 1798), 
to establish a separate one for home business, these two departments were combined. 
The debt of Delaware was trifling, but Vining, the able Representative of that State, 
supported the assumption (of Revolutionary State debts) as a Federal measure. 
Tucker (March l6th, 17S9) moved to strike out the whole report of a House Commit- 
tee, on a memorial of a Pennsylvania society, praying for the abolition of slaver)', 
substituting a resolution to refuse to consider it unconstitutional. Jackson seconded 
the motion, in a speech warm as Tucker's, to which Vining replied. The arguments 
in favor of assumption were recapitulated by Lawrence Goodhue and others, and by 
Vining. Vining, January 28th, 1789, spoke in favor of chartering a National Bank. 
Among the new members of the Senate, Livermore, of New Hampshire, Jackson, of 
Georgia, and Vining, of Delaware, who had already distinguished themselves as 
former members of the House. Nature was liberal to him, for, besides a good face 
and person, he was one of the wittiest men of his day ; his powers of conversation 
great, and these set off by very fascinating manners. He married Miss Seaton, 
daughter of James Seaton, Collector of New Vork, who came to her death by taking 
medicine by mistake. When Mr. Vining married Miss Seaton, he took a house in 
Wilmington, at the northwest comer of French and Fourth streets, and took his bride 
there ; the west end of Wilmington was then Iielow Fifth, and clustered principally 
around Third, Second, and Front streets. Miss \'ining'3 brotlier, Hon. John Vining, 



THE VININGS OF DELAWARE. 25 

Dover, Delaware, on the 5th day of September. 1762. 
Present, Mrs. Ann Chew, Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson, widow, 
and Mary Vining, and was baptized by Rev. Charles 
Inglis. Godmothers, Mary Vining and Esther Wyn- 
koop. Aunts of said Abraham. He died on the 25th day 
■of October, 1 764, aged two years, one month and twenty 
days, and was buried in the church yard in Dover, on the 
south side of his Aunt Mary Inglis' grave. 

John Middleton Vining, son of John and Phoebe 
Vining, was married to Anna Maria Seaton, daughter of 
William Seaton, of the State of New York, on the 24th 
of November, 1 790. 

John Seaton Vining, son of John Vining and Anna 
Maria his wife, was born on the 21st of November, 1791. 

was Senator in 1793, from Delaware, in the United States Congress. Miss Seaton 
was a lovely, gentle, refined being, with intellectual tastes and accomplishments, a fine 
musician ; she accompanied herself with great taste on the piano." 

" Hon. John Vining, though a man of great abilities and undoubted genius, which, 
if he had been bom in poverty, would have been the means of exalting him to the 
highest positions of his country, was ruined by the wealth he inherited. He was very- 
extravagant; this and his dissipated habits soon caused him to go through his large 
fortune, and unfortunately, his sister's also, leaving nothing, and his orphan children, 
at his death, thrown upon his sister, Miss Vining. Seaton, his eldest son, entered the 
Navy, and came home to his aunt's only to die while young. The second was Wil- 
liam Henry, but only used the second name, signing himself W. Henry Vining; he 
gave early promise of great talent ; his piece on the commencement of these fragments 
(I, A. R. du Pont, have not transcribed,) gave promise to great abilities, as it was a 
remarkable production for a boy of 14. Its title, ' Those who hung their harps on 
the willows,' a poetical production. Had he lived, he would have made his mark in 
the world's history. He died in 1822, aged 27. Benjamin Vining, third son, Charles 
Vining, fourth son. They all died before their Aunt, Miss Vining, but W. Henry, who 
survived her a few months. He studied law with Mr. Ogden, who married his mother's 
sister. They lived in Ogdensburg, New York, said town on the St. Laurrence river, 
where W, Henry Vining practiced law with his uncle." (See Life of George Read.) 



MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 

Contributed, with Introduction and Notes, by Charles Henry Hart. 

THE six letters that follow are a portion of an interest- 
ing familiar correspondence between two prominent 
ladies of Revolutionary times, the wives of two eminent 
statesmen of that period. Mrs. Jay was the beautiful 
Sarah Van Brugh Livingston, the fourth daughter of that 
sterling patriot, Governor William Livingston, of New 
Jersey. When not quite eighteen, on the i8th of April, 
1774, she was married at Elizabethtown, to John Jay, a 
young lawyer, in his twenty-ninth year. Mrs. Morris 
was her friend's senior by eight years, having been born 
in Philadelphia on the 1 3th of April, i 749. At the age 
of twenty, March 2, 1 769, she was married to the future 
financier, Robert Morris, a mature merchant of thirty- 
five. Thus the careers of the two ladies were closely 
allied with the course of public events which followed so 
immediately upon their marriages; while the positions 
of their husbands permitted them for many years to 
enjoy but little domestic and social privacy. Mrs. 
Morris' career is so well known as not to permit of fur- 
ther reference here.^ Mrs. Jay's too, is not unfamiliar, 
but a few incidents will bear rehearsing. Mr. Jay, being 
a delegate to Congress from New York, and at the time 
President of that body, was appointed to represent the 
Congress as Minister to Spain. He sailed on the loth 
of October, 1779, in the frigate The Confederacy, accom- 
panied by his family. After a hazardous voyage, made 
so by storms and British cruizers, they reached Madrid 
early in the year 1780. Mr. Jay's mission was fruitless; 

• Vide Mary White, Mrs. Robert Morris. Pa. Mag. Hist. Biog., vol. ii, p. 157. 
(26) 




1 / 






MRS. JOHN yAY TO MKS. ROBERT MORRIS. 2 J 

Spain refused either to recognize our independence or 
lend us the needed assistance of money. He was accord- 
ingly transferred to Paris, as one of the Peace Commis- 
sioners with Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and Henry 
Laurens. Here Mr. and Mrs. Jay arrived, June 23, 1782. 
On the 20th of January, 1783, the preliminary articles 
were settled, and on the third of the following September, 
the definitive treaties were signed. Mr. and Mrs. Jay 
remained abroad until May, 1784, enjoying the brilliant 
society which surrounded the French capital at that 
period, and of which their warm friend, Dr. Franklin, was 
the acknowledged centre. After an absence of nearly 
five years, Mr. and Mrs. Jay landed at New York on the 
24th of July, 1784. He at once took charge of the im- 
portant office of Secretary for Foreign Affairs, to which 
he had been appointed before his return, and which gave 
Mrs. Jay, — there being no President of the United 
States at that period — the position of the leading lady in 
the land. He was subsequently Chief Justice of the 
Supreme Court of the United States, Special Envoy 
to England to negotiate the celebrated Jay Treaty, and 
Governor of his native State, New York. On his with- 
drawal from public life, he retired to his farm at Bedford, 
Westchester Co., New York, where, after a short illness, 
Mrs. Jay died, on the 28th of May, 1802. The letters 
which follow show the character of her mind and the 
quality of her heart. She and her correspondent to 
whom these letters are addressed, were women of the 
type who give character to a nation and an age. 



Madrid, ist of Sept., 1780. 
My friendship for you, my dear Mrs. Morris, is founded 
on esteem, and believe me, it is too great, too sincere to 
suspect that the regard which your many polite and 



-28 'VRS. JOirX JAY TO M/aS. KOBERT MORfHS. 

delicate attentions induced me to think you had for me, 
has been in the least diminished by absence: such an idea 
would be injurious to you, to me distressing, and there- 
fore shall be banished from my mind as an impertinent 
intruder. 

When I left Philadelphia, I did not also leave the 
remembrance of the repeated instances of friendship 
which had endeared you to me; but had I been less 
■sensible of them, surely your recent kindness to my dear 
Kitty,' could not fail of awakening my gratitude. Accept, 
my dear Mr. and Mrs. Morris, of my sincere thanks for 
your kindness to my sister; believe me, nothing has 
given me more pleasure than the happiness she has en- 
joyed under your hospitable roof; and the information I 
have from her, that your family enjoyed a state of perfect 
health, rejoices me exceedingly. I congratulate you 
upon Maria's'' recovery from the small-pox. If I was not 
myself attached to the little namesake of my friend, I 
should, perhaps, be somewhat jealous, least she rival my 
only son in the affection of his Aunt, for Kitty confesses 
that Maria and Peter^ are equally dear to her. How 

' Catharine Livingston, younger sister of Mrs. Jay. During the frequent incursions 
into the Jerseys by the British, Liberty Hall, the residence of her father, was no safe 
refuge. She accordingly accepted an invitation, in July, 17S0, from Mr. and Mrs. 
Morris, to become an inmate of their family, and she remained with them until nearly 
4he close of the war. She subsequently, April 14, 1787, married Mr. Matthew Ridley, 
v(see page 42, note i), and after his death, a few years later, married her cousin, John 
Livingston. 

' Youngest daughter and sixth child of Mr. and Mrs. Morris. She was bom April 
24, 1779; married March 4, 1S02, Henry Nixon, only son of Col. John Nixon, 
of I'hiladelphia, and died September 17, 1S52. 

' Peter .Augustus Jay, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Jay, was bom January 24, 1776, 
.at the residence of his grandfather Livingston, Elizabeth, N. J. He was graduated at 
Columbia College, in the class of 1794, and chose the profession of his father. He 
■was Recorder of New York, 1S18-20; member of the convention to (i^ame the Consti- 
tution of New York, 1821; President of the New York Historical Society, and held many 
other positions of honor and trust. He married, July 29, 1S07, Margaret Rutherford 
•Clarkson, and died at his residence in New York city, Febraary 22, 1S43. 



MA'S. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 29. 

vain, my dear Morris! my efforts to divert my thoughts. 
from grief, while my heart is still under its influence, for 
the loss of a lovely little daughter: the distant train 
of thought I took to shun this painful subject has, it 
seems, led me to it; the recollection of your charming 
little circle renews my sorrow for my own disappoint- 
ment, since to resemble you in that circumstance, and 
indeed in every other, would add greatly to my felicity^ 
But private afflictions give place to public calamities, 
they often so agitate my mind as frequently to interrupt 
my tranquility. The variety of reports circulating here,, 
subject me at one time or another to fear, hope, indigna- 
tion, grief and, in short, every emotion of the mind but 
despair; far, very far, be that from any of us. My heart 
recoils with horror from the idea of submission to such, 
ignoble foes. 

Sincerely do I sympathize with Mr. Gouv'r Morris 
on account of that cruel accident that has befallen him.* 
If I am not mistaken, that misfortune will call forth latent 
virtues that will enhance his merit, and, consequently,, 
increase the esteem of which he is already the object. 
Will you be so obliging as to present my compliments, 
to him. 

Shall I request of you to be remembered to the 
Chevalier La Luzerne,^ Mr. Marbois,^ and Mr. Holker?^ 
and that you will tell the Chevalier that Kitty is not mis- 
taken in her sister; she has really won the bett. ^ 

' In May, 1780, he was thrown from his carriage while driving in the streets of 
Philadelphia, dislocating his left ankle and breaking some of the bones of the leg. 
Surgery not being understood then as now, the leg was amputated below the knee, and 
ever afterwards Mr. Morris wore a plain wooden leg — an appendage which probably 
saved his life in the streets of Paris, on one occasion, during the French Revolution. 

^ The Chevalier Anne Cssar de la Luzerne was bom in Paris, France, in 1 74 1. 
He was educated for the military service, and was aide-de-camp to his relative, the- 
Due de Broglie, during the seven years war, attaining the rank of Major General of 
cavalry. He abandoned military life for diplomacy, and was sent by Louis XVI, tov 



30 ^f^S. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 

When Mr. Jay returns from St. Ildefonso, (where the 
Court at present resides,) I'll take the liberty of writing 
again to my dear friend, for then the natural chearfulness 
of my disposition will revive, and perhaps that letter will 
partake as much of the spirits which his company never 
fails to inspire, as I am sure this does of the dejection 
which has been too much indulged in his absence. Tell 

succeed Girard, as Minister to the American colonies, after the recognition of Independ- 
ence. He arrived in Philadelphia, September 21, 1779, where he resided four years, 
becoming exceedingly popular, through his gracious curtesy and the strong proof he 
gave of his sympathy with the straggling colonies. In 1 7S0, he contracted, on his own 
resjwnsibility, a loan for the relief of the American army, then suffering the utmost 
destitution. He returned to France in 1783, bearing with him the most honorable 
testimonies of esteem from Congress and individuals. Harvard College conferred 
ii]X>n him the degree of LL.D., and Pennsylvania gave his name to one of her most 
beautiful counties. He died at London, September 14, 1 791, while acting as 
plenipotentiary from France to the English court. He was on terms of familiar inter- 
course with Mr. and Mrs. Morris, as may be seen from the following letter: 

" PmiADEi.PHiA, June 22d, 1784. 
" Mr. Morris presents his Compliments to His Excy. The Chev'r De la Luzerne & 
takes the liberty to trouble him with some letters for Geneva put under a cover to 
Messrs \a. Coutculx & co Paris. Mrs. Morris claiming also the benefit of the Minis- 
ters kind promise, sends a pair of her old shoes & requests that He will order to be 
sent for her 

6 pair of Fashionable Shoes to the si/.e of the old pr 

also 
6 China Dishes of the same patern of the sett of 

Porcelain spared to her by the Minister 

2 of those dishes to be of the largest size 

2 of the next size 

2 of the next size 
Mr. Morris requests the Chev'r De La Luzerne to send this note with the bill of Cost 
to Messrs Le Couteulx & co that they may pay it. 

Mr. & Mrs Morris have more sincere good wishes for the Chev'r De La Luzerne's 
Health happiness & safe arrival than can be expressed on this paper." 

Some of the evidences of his friendship and regard for Mr. and Mrs. Morris re- 
main with the descendants of the recipients to this day. 

• Francois, Marquis of Barbe-Marbois, was bom in Metz, January 31, 1745. He 
came to America in 1779, as Secretary of Legation under the Chevalier de la Luzerne, 
and when that diplomat returned to France, he became Chargl d'affaires. About 
this time he married Elizabeth, daughter of William Moore, President of the 
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, l7Sl-'S2, by his wife, Sarah Lloyd, 
great-granddaughter of Thomas Lloyd, Deputy Governor under Penn. He remained 
in this country until 17S5, when he returned to France, and there occupied many 



MA'S. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 31 

me, I beseech you, that you pardon me for this unamus- 
ing letter ; new friends are not often sought or desired 
while strong attachments to the old ones remain. I fear, 
therefore, I shall often trouble mine; for to whom but 
those far distant ones whom I love, admire, and esteem, 
can I unbosom myself? 

Assure Mr. Morris of my sincere regard, and believe 
me to be 

Affectionately yours, &c., 

Sa. Jay. 

My brother® presents his respectful compliments to Mr. 
Morris and yourself. 



My Dear Mrs. Morris: — Since the possession of a 
real friend Is so generally esteemed preferable to our 
other enjoyments, from whence can proceed that inatten- 
tion to the cultivation of friendship which we but too fre- 
quendy observe? Whether or not I'm mistaken, I leave 

important public positions. He was the author of a work on the Treason of Benedict 
Arnold^ and a History of Louisiana. He died in his native land, January 14th, 1837. 

* John Holker was Commercial Agent of France in America. He married in this 
country and removed to Virginia, where he died. 

' Mrs. Jay was as much distinguished for her attractions of person, as for her per- 
sonal attractions. Her eyes were beautiful, and she had a most brilliant complexion. 
The Minister's bet wa.s, that Mrs. Jay used paint. In writing to her sister from 
Madrid, December I, 1780, she says: "The bets depending between you and the 
Chevalier, I hope, are considerable, since you are certainly entitled to the stake, for I 
have not used any false coloring, nor have I amused myself with plays or any other 
diversions on Sunday." Mrs. Morris, writing to Mrs. Jay, July I2, 1781, says: "The 
Chevalier acquiesces in the loss of his bet, presented Kitty with a handsome dress cap 
accompanied with a note, acknowledging your firmness." 

« Henry Brockholst Livingston accompanied Mr. Jay to Spain as his private secre- 
tary. He was the fifth son and ninth child of Governor William Livingston, and was 
bom in New York, November 26th, 1757. He was graduated by Princeton College 
in 1774, and upon the breaking out of the war, before he was twenty, became an aid 
to General Schuyler, with the rank of Captain. Early in 1782, he returned to 
America from Spain, and began the study of law. Upon his admission to the bar, he 
dropped his first name, and as Brockholst Livingston, was, in 1806, appointed Associate 
Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, which position he held at the time 
of his death, March i8th, 1823. 



32 ^'/yP^. JOHX JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 

you to determine; but I am apt to think indolence has 
some share in it, from the unwillingness I sometimes feel 
to write even to those most dear to me : and begin to 
suspect that it was nothing but that, tho' under the veil 
of modesty, which for a long time persuaded me the time 
you would spend in reading a letter from me, would be 
less agreeably bestowed than if without that interruption. 
The pleasure I receive from the letters of my friends, 
convinces me that wherever mutual regard subsists, a 
correspondence, far from being irksome, nourishes those 
sentiments of esteem which produce the attachment. 

As Mr. Jay and myself are interested in Mr. Morris' 
and your happiness, we were very anxious last fall about 
both your healths, for we had heard (from France) that 
they were impaired, and a letter from Kitt)^ sometime 
after, was doubly welcome by giving us the pleasing 
information of the recovery of persons we so much 
esteemed, and likewise the re-establishment of mama's^ 
and her own health. How amply, my dear madam ! does 
your affection compensate Kitty for the absence of her 
sister — but where can I hope to find such friends as I 
parted from in quitting America — not I am sure in the 
acquaintances of a few months or in formal birthday 
visitors — preserve, therefore, I charge you, the regard 
you honor me with, that in your company when I return, 
I may forget how long we have been seperated. I dare 
say you were pleased with the marriage of Mr. Bingham 
and Miss Willing,^ as it promises happiness to the 

' Mrs. William Livingston was Susanna, daughter of Philip French, of New 
Jersey, she died July 17th, 1789. Her husband survived her but a year; he died 
July 25th, 1790, aged sixty-seven. 

• Miss Willing, was Anne, eldest daughter of Thomas Willing, who for thirty- 
nine years was the partner in business of Robert Morris. She was a dazzling belle 
and a beauty, and married October 26th, 1780, at the age of eighteen, William Bing- 
ham, afterward a Senator, in Congress, from Peimsylvania. The following cordial letter 



MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBFA T MORRIS. l^T^ 

parties interested. Shall I request you to present to them 
our congratulations? 

Tell Miss Hetty,^ if you please, that if she thinks she 
can smile upon a Don, I'll use my influences to engage 
a few to accompany us, for we hope to return before 
she seriously thinks of paying her devoirs to Hymen. 
Kitty's accounts of Maria increases my inclination to see 
her; and I am quite happy that your little sons are 
likely to answer the expectations formed of them. 

The month of May is approaching. I then shall accom- 
pany Mr. Jay to Acanjuez, and perhaps my situation there 
may furnish something that may amuse you, since that 
place is confessedly the most beautiful in Spain. Mr. 
Tuscin, a young gentleman who is going to Boston, in 
the capacity of vice-consul, has just this instant informed 
me that he leaves Madrid early to-morrow, as there is a 
vessel at Bilboa which will soon sail for America. I 
must, therefore, bid my dear Mrs. Morris adieu, tho' 
if I had not a douzen letters to finish yet to-night, I could 
not so soon relinquish the pleasure I take in writing to 
her. Excuse the freedom I take in requesting you to 

of invitation from her father to Mr. Morris, to be present at the wedding, finds an 
appropriate place here : 

OcTOBKR 23, 1780. 

Dkar Sir: — I have been confin'd from the day I saw you, and am very sorry to 
hear yt. Mrs. Morris is still indisposed. If she shou'd be well enough to be out next 
Thursday Even'g, it wou'd give us all the highest satisfaction to see her at the 
Weding — -but shou'd it unfortunately happen yt. she is not well enough to be out, I 
flatter myself she will not be so 111 as to prevent me the pleasure of your Comp'y on 
this Interesting occasion. My daughter has always pleas'd herself with hopes of see- 
ing Mrs. Morris that Even'g, and says it will be a double mortification to be deprived 
of yr. company too. Adieu. I can scarce hold the Pen while I assure you that I am 

Yr affectionate frd, 

Thos. Willing. 

' Hetty, eldest daughter, and fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Morris. She was 
bom in Philadelphia, July 30th, 1774, and married, April loth, 1795, Hon. James 
Markham Marshall, of Virginia, younger brother of Chief Justice John Marshall. 
Mrs. Marshall died April 13th, 1817. 

3A 



ii'iiu-mlHT iiu- in the mostly liii-iully nianiu'i" to my cxcol- 
li-ni tiinul Mrs. l.awiviUH', whosi- kindness to me, at 
rhiladelphia, luis iiKule too sensible an impression on my 
miiul ever to he erased. Yon know the ladies to whom 
my friendship extends, and you will oblige me by remem- 
berinj; me to them. The lovely Mrs. Arnold,' whom I 
admireil so much, is, 1 fear, banisheil from the society of 
her friends — how unpropitious has been her star. You 
aiul Mr. Morris will do us justice in beHeving that you 
have not more sincere friends in the numerous circle of 
those who love and esteem you, than in Mr. Jay and 

\'our humble sev't. 

S.\. J.w. 

1 ha\ e often snuled at the apolooios made for incorrect 
letters, but none ever reijuireil them more than this. 

Mm>kip. .Vpiil .■.•>!. irSi. 



Sr. Ii.OKFONSO, Sept., 17S1. 

I think it is Shenstone \\ho obser\-ed, "tliat the mind is 

never in a more proper frame to answer a letter, than 

immediately after the receipt of it." In general, I believe 

the remark is just; but the pleasure I feel upon reading 

' It is harvlly necfssaiy to say, that Mrs. Benedict .\rnolil, was Margaret, fourth 
<iai\j;l«er and sixth chilj of Chief Justice EJwani Shipjx'n, by his wife. Margaret, 
<lau);hter of Tench Francis, .\ttorney General of Philadelphia, under the crviwn. She 
was celehrateJ tor her wit and beauty, and married Arnold, Afvril S, 1779, when he 
had cvunnvand in rhiladel)^ia. Mrs. Mivris, writing to her mother. November 10, 
177S, sa\-s: " 1 know of no news, unless to tell yv^u that we are very gay, is such. We 
have a great many balls and entertainments, and svx^n the .\.<sembl>-s will begin. 
Tell Mr. Hall our military gentlemen here, are uxi liberal tv> make any distinctions 
between Whig and Tory ladves — if they nvake any, it's in laww of the latter, such, 
Strang as it nuy seem, is the way those things are conducted at present in this city. 
It origiiutes at Headviuaiters, and, that 1 may nvake some apolo^ for such strange 
conduct, I must tell \vu that (Aipid has given our little Oenerul a more mortal wound 
than all the host of Britons could, unless his present conduct can expiate for his pa^. 
Mi$i l^tSSy Shipj>en is the 6»ir one." 



MUS. JO UN yAY 70 M/^S. UO/ililiT MORR/:;. 35 

a letter from you and Kitty, approaches so nearly to 
enthusiasm, that were I to permit my pen exactly to copy 
the dictates of my heart, my letters would incur the sus- 
picion of a flattery that is foreign to my disposition, 
though you seem to have been disposed to railly me 
when writing, upon my epistolary style ; yet I'm uncon- 
scious of having deviated from that symplicity which is 
alone worthy of true friendship, and fear that the knowl- 
edge of my own sincerity may have made me too 
negligent in expressing it. 

No circumstance of a public nature, since my 
absence from America, has given me greater satis- 
faction than Mr. Morris' acceptance of that import- 
ant office which he at present holds;' nor would 
you, my dear madam, even regret being so frequendy 
obliged to dispense with his company, if you could be 
witness to the universal satisfaction it has diffused among 
the friends of our country, but would (were you as 
malicious as myself) even enjoy the confusion of our 
enemies upon the occasion — besides the public utility 
which must arise from the measure. I have a peculiar 
pleasure, which results from the more frequent mention 
of the person from whose abilities and integrity so much is 
expected, in terms the most grateful to friendship. Your 
fears for Mr. Morris' health, are, I own, too well founded 
and I think a little address to draw him into the country, 
at least of evenings, would be patriotic. 'ITie sedentary 
manner in which Mr. Jay has been employed since the 
Revolution, has injured his health so materially, that I 
fear it will not be entirely re-established till he is free to 
cultivate his fields and lead a rural and active life. 
The regret I feel at being absent from you, is softened 

' Mr. Moms was unanimously chosen by Congress, February 20th, 1781, Super- 
intendent of Finance, a position be continued to hold until November 1st, 1784, when 
he resigned. 



36 jV'^'-^. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MOKRIS. 

by the plcasinor rt'tlection that Kitty is happy in the 
society of your amiable family. My maternal tenderness 
is flattered by the favorable manner in which you mention 
my only child; should he hereafter merit your esteem, I 
shall think myself happy indeed. How old is Miss 
Hetty? I am already considering what young gentle- 
man I shall find soliciting the honor of her hand when I 
return. Major Franks' speaks in raptures of several 
lovely young ladies who have been introduced in com- 
pany since I left Philadelphia. As much as I admire the 
works of art in the dying Cleopatra, and a beautiful 
vestal in this palace done by the most celebrated hands 
of antiquity, gladly would I exchange the contemplation 
of those imitations for the more animated beauties which 
the Major has inspired me with the curiosity to see. 

As we are at St. Ildefonso, it would be inexcusable to 
be entirely silent about the royal gardens here, which it's 
said are unequaled in Europe, but still in mentioning 
them I can only say that they surpass description. I had 
often heard of them as being ver^' magnificent, but still 
tlie idea I had formed of diem was as inadequate as 
would be that of a person who should take his idea of a 
first rate ship of war from the view of a ferrj'-boat. 
Here you have ve whole heathen mythologj- and the 
metamorphoses of Ovid represented in an admirable 
manner by figures vastly larger dian the life; tlie fount- 
ains, statues, and marble urns are almost innumerable, 
and the water which forms the Cascades, and that which 



' David Solebury Franks was one of the aids to General Arnold, through the 
period of his commiind in Philadelphia, and until his flight to the British, September 
I, 1780. He was detailcil by Arnold to protect Mrs. Arnold; so that in the military 
family he was c.illcii the "nurse." His testimony is strong evidence in favor of Mrs. 
Arnold's ignorance of her husKtnd's traitorvius schemes. From his relations with 
.\moId, he was susj^ected, but a court of inquir)-, convened at his own request, e.\oner- 
ated him fn.>m all connection with or knowleiige of the plot. He was respected and 
welcomed wherever he went for his soumi good humor and manly candor. 



MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 37 

is thrown up by the fountains (by some of them upwards 
of a hundred feet,) is perfectly transparent; in short, the 
whole discovers a royal master. Nor is the palace less 
worthy of observation, since it is stored with an immense 
number of valuable antiquities in the lower apartments; 

[This letter ends here abruptly; the remaining pages 
are missing.] 



Paris, 14th Novbr. 1782. 

With what pleasure, my dear madam, do I take up my 
pen as a medium of or substitute for a conversation with 
you, by admitting no other idea to rob me of your 
image, I enjoy, at least for the moment, the most pleasing 
delusion. Yesterday, your little sons, by passing their 
holiday with me, made me very happy. Robert' so ex- 
ceedingly resembles Mr. Morris, that I feel for him a 
respect mingled with my love; tho', at the same time, I 
regret his distance from his father's example and coun- 
sel. When (as it sometimes happens,) among our little 
Americans, that my decision is referred to respecting 
matters of right and wrong, I always request Robert's 
opinion, and when he hesitates, I ask him what he thinks 
would be his father's sentiments upon such occasions, to 
which he generally replys very justly; and I remark to 
him the certainty of his acting with propriety while he 

1 Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, bom at Philadelphia, December 19, 1769; 
married. May 5, 1796, Anna, daughter of Benjamin Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, and 
died during a visit abroad, subsequent to 1804. In the fall of 1781, Mr. Morris sent 
his two sons, Robert and Thomas, to Europe, under the care of Mr. Matthew Ridley, 
later the husband of Miss Kitty Livingston, for the purpose of being educated. 
They returned home in the spring of 1788, having passed their last two years at the 
University of Leipsic. Robert, the son, upon his return, read law with Richard 
Harrison in New York, and afterwards practiced his profession in his native city. 



38 Aff^S. JOHN "JAY TO MA'S. KOHERT AfOA'R/S. 

imitates so worthy an example. Tommy' (who is like- 
wise a fine boy,) told me that his last letters mentioned 
Hetty's and Maria's illness. I hope they are now quite 
recovered, as well as my dear Kitty. You will embrace 
them for me? 

If, during my stay in Paris, it is in my power 
to serve you, nothing, my dear Mrs. Morris, can 
give me greater pleasure than receiving your commands. 
At present the prevailing fashions are very decent and 
very plain; the gowns most worn are the robes a 
rangloisc, which are exactly like the Italian habits that 
were in fashion in America at the time I left it. The 
sultana, resembling the long polinese, is also a la mode, 
but as it is not expected that it will long remain so; 
everj'body makes them of slight silk. There is so great 
a variety of hats, caps, cuffs, &c., tliat it is impossible to 
describe them. I forgot to mention that tlie robe a 
rangloisc, if trimmed either with the same or with gauze is 
dress, but if entirely untrimmed must be worn with an 
apron and is undress; negligees are very little in vogue; 
fans of eight or ten sous are almost tlie only ones in use. 

At the Marquis de la Fayette's table, I had the pleasure 
of hearing you, my dear Mrs. Morris, mentioned the other 
day, as well as Mr. Morris, in terms to me the most 
grateful imaginable. The Marchioness- is a most amiable 

'Second son of Mr. ami Mrs. Morris, born at Thiladelphia, February 26, 1 77 1; 
married in Albany, May 2S, 1 799, to Sally, daughter of Col. John Kane, of Schenec- 
tady, and died in New York, March 12, 1849. He read law also in the oflice 
of Richard Harrison, of New York, and after his admission to the bar, settled at 
('an.indaigua, in the llene.see country'. He was the first Representative in Congress 
from all the region west of Seneca Lake, in the years iSoi to 1S03, and was for three 
years, a member of the New York Assembly from C>ntario county. Sharing in his 
father's reverses of fortune, he returned to New York, where he practiced his profes- 
sion, and, subsequently, for many ye.irs, held the office of United States Marshall for 
the Eastern District of New York. 

^ Matlame de la Fayette was An.nslasie, second daughter of Count d'Ayon, after- 
waul l>uc de NoaiUes and Mar^chal de Mouchy, a descendant of the great dWguesseau. 
When she married la Fayette, he was sixteen and she was one or two years younger. 
Madame de ta Fayette was st™ck with jviralysis and died in Paris, Decrmber 24, 1S07. 



MRS. JOHN JAY TO MA'S. IWBERT MORRIS. 39 

woman; she expressed her inclination to sec America in 
very flattering terms, and I could not forbear assuring 
her that if she ever honored us by a visit, she would find 
that her character there had already prepared the Ameri- 
cans to receive her in a manner that would convince her 
that the Marquis, tho' much esteemed, was not the only 
one of his family that they respected. The Queen 
has lately returned to Versailles, after a residence of eight 
or ten weeks at Passey.''' While there I used sometimes 
to have the pleasure of seeing her at the Plays. She is so 
handsome, and her manners are so engaging, that almost 
forgetful of republican principles, I was ever ready, while 
in her presence, to declare her born to be a Queen. 
There are, however, many traits in her character worthy 
of imitation even by republicans, and I cannot but ad- 
mire her resolution to superintend the education of 
Madame Royale, her daughter, to whom she has allotted 
chambers adjoining her own, and persists in refusing 
to name a Govcrnalctc for her. 'Ihe Duchess of Polniac,* 
is named for that office to the Dauphin. 

I have just been interrupted by a visit from the Princess 
Mazarin, who informed me that the Count d'Artois* 

1 The beautiful, but unfortunate, Marie Antoinette. 

' I'assy, a western suburb of Paris, within the fortifications, and about seven miles 
southwest of St. Denis. It is beautifully situated on a lofty hill, overlooking the 
river, the city, and a great expanse of gardens, parks, farms, chateaux and villages. 
During Franklin's residence in France, he lived at Passy, in the Hotel de Valen- 
tinois, which belonged to that constant friend of America, M. Ray de Chaumont. 

' Jules, Count de Polignac, and his wife, Yolande Marline Gabrielle de Pola.stron, 
were the most intimate friends of Marie Antoinette, and the most prominent members 
of that portion of the court, which gathered around her and intrigued against the 
reforms of the King and his Ministers. The count was made a Duke in 1780, and as 
the prodigality of the Queen and the political mistakes she made were generally 
ascribed to the influence of the Duchess of Polignac, she and her husband were held 
in hatred and contempt by the people. They were prudent and left the country 
together, July 16, 17S9, as the first fmigris. The Duchess died at Vienna, 
iJecember 3, 1793. 

* Afterwards Charles X. of France, who had repaired to Gibraltar to witness the 
capture of the place. 



40 Af/fs. yoHX y.tv to mks. Robert morris. 

would be here in eight or ten days hence, and the 
Prince, her husband, soon after; so I conjecture the 
siege of Gibraltar^ is to be abandoned. 

I have had so many interruptions since I've been 
writing this short letter, that I must entreat you will im- 
pute some of the blunders with which it is filled to that 
cause. 

Please to present Mr. Jay's and my compliments to Mr. 
and Mrs. White,* Mr. Morris, the Chevalier la Luzerne, 
Mr. Marbois. and Mr. Holker. Mr. Jay likewise desires 
me to assure you that his esteem for you is not less than 
that with which 

I have the honor to be. 

My dear Madam, 

Yours sincerely, 

Sa. J a v. 

Grand Hotel D'Ori.f_\ns. Rue des petits Augustins. 

Paris, 25th Novbr. 17S2. 
Mv Dear Madam: — It was not without regret that I 
heard of Captain Barney's^ leaving Paris without having 

' This natural fortress is notable for the number of attempts made by different 
nations to capture it, but the most memorable siege was that sustained by it under the 
English, during the years 1779-17S3, by the combined land and sea forces of France 
and Spain. The grand attack on the place was made September 13, 1782, and all 
the resources of power and science were exhausted by the assailants in the fruitless 
attempt. This event has been commemorated by the brushes of two American 
artists — Copley and Trumbull. The siege ended only with the general peace 
of Febru.iry, 1783. 

• Brother and sister-in-law of Mrs. Morris. He was afterwards the well-known 
prelate, Bishop White, of Pennsylvania. 

•Joshua Barney was born in Baltimore, July 6, 1759; married March 16, 1780, a 
d.-iughter of Gunning Bedford, of Philadelphia, and died at Pittsburgh, Pa., December 
I, iSiS. Commodore Barney entered the Continental Navy at the beginning of the 
V.-U-, and in 17S2, took command of the State of Pennsylvania's ship-of-war, HyJer 
All, armed with sixteen six-pounders, with which he fought and took, off the Capes of 
Delaware, the British man-of-war. General Mont, mounting twenty nine-pounders. 
The General Moni, was re-christened the General H'aihington, and in her, soon 
after, Barney s.iiled to carry instructions to Franklin in France, and on his return 
voyage brought the news of peace. 



AIRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 41 

those things in charge, which you had requested might 
be sent by him. But I hope my dear friend will acquit 
me of indolence, when I assure her that I never received 
the commission with which I was honored, till two days 
before the Captain's departure, and one of those was 
Sunday, on which you know business could not be trans- 
acted. Mr. Le Couteulx^ still flatters me that the box 
may arrive at the port in time to be taken on board. 

1 Louis Stephen Couteulx de Chaumont was bom at Rouen, in France, August 
24, 1756. He was the only son of Anthony Le Couteulx, a counsellor at law, and 
delegate to the Parliament of Normandy. He was destined for the law, but having 
no taste for that occupation, entered into commercial pursuits, and understanding the 
English and Spanish languages, passed several years in London and Cadiz. In Sep- 
tember, 1786, he was married at Paris, to Miss Clonet, a niece of General Tousard, 
who came to America with Lafayette and lost an arm in our Revolution. Im- 
mediately after his marriage, Mr. Le Couteulx was sent to the United States, to 
negotiate a settlement of accounts with the house of Robert Morris. Having arranged 
the accounts with Mr. Morris, he became so well pleased with the country, that he 
bought a farm of about two hundred acres, in Bucks County, Pa., which he called La 
Petite France. He subsequently became a naturalized citizen of the United States. 
He was the first to introduce merino sheep into this country, having imjxirted a pair 
from .Spain in 1789, which he presented to Mr. Morris. In tlie fall, he returned to 
France, as will be seen by the following letter : 

Philada., October 30th, 1789. 
Dear Sir : 

The enclosed letter came by the Frigate Alliance from Cadiz, which I sup- 
pose passed you in the River as you was going down. I have taken the Two Sheep 
and sent them to the Hills where good care shall be taken of them. I find by Mad'm 
Le Couteulx letter to Mrs. Morris that you had a fine passage down the River & Bay 
of Delaware. I hope the same good luck may attend you during the whole voyage, 
and that you may soon land and find the Troubles of France all settled, and your 
Family & Friends all in good Health. 

I will preserve some of the Breed of these sheep to be restored to you sliould you 
ever return to this country, and with great regard, I remain. 
Dear .Sir, 
Your affectionate Friend & humble .Ser\-ant, 

RoBT. Morris. 
Mr. Le Couteulx de Caumont, Paris. 

He came again to America, and established himself in business in Albany, in 1795, 
and removed to Buffalo in 1804. He was soon after employed as agent by the Hol- 
land Land Company, for the sale of their lands in Buffalo and its vicinity. He died 
in Buffalo, October i6th, 1839. His wife never returned to this country, owing to tlie 
■climnte here not suiting her, and she died in France, the year before her husband. 



42 ^fA\S■. JO JIN JAY TO A/AS. KOBERT MORRIS. 

The measure for your gown cannot, it seems, be found,, 
but it is of less consequence, as Mr. Ridley' has sent out 
for Mrs. Powel," two habits; a sultana and an English 
habit, which you can see before you have yours made. 
The Pistache and rose colour were most fashionable last 
autumn, but what will succeed them in the spring is 
difficult yet to divine; the trimming is made by the first 
miliner, and will either suit a sultana or habit, with 
both of which dresses they wear the petticoat of a differ- 
ent colour. You'll pardon the liberty I've taken in adding 
an handkerchief: for, as it was new and consequently ad- 
mired, I could not resist the inclination: it's to be ty'd on 
before the gown and then pinned down to the stays, and 

' Matthew Ridley belonged to the old English border family of that name^ 
originally frona Tynedale, Northumberland. Mr. Ridley came to America in 1 770, 
and shortly afterwards established himself at Haltimore, as a merchant. In the sum- 
mer of 1775, he w.is compelled, owing to private affairs, to return to London, but he^ 
retained his interest in the colonies and w-is a member of the committee, organized in 
Ix>ndon, for the relief of .•\merican prisoners. In September, 1778, he went to 
N.intes, but the following .\pril returned to Haltimore. In November, 17S1, he was 
appointed financial agent for the State of Maryland, and sailed for Brest to negotiate a 
loan. It was at this time that he took Mr. Morris' two sons. In 1 7S3, he was made one 
of the commissioners to settle the accounts of public officers abroad. In the summer 
of 1789, he returned to Baltimore, and the next year married Miss Kitty Livingston. 
He died November 13, 1789, at the .ige of forty. 

• Mrs. I'owel was Elizabeth Willing, bom Kebruary loth, 1742, the younger sister 
of Mr. Thomas Willing, the father of Mrs. Bingham. She was married .\ugust 7th, 
1769, at Christ Church, to -Samuel I'owel, afterwards Mayor of Philadelphia, and 
later, Spe.iker of the Senate of Pennsylvania. She died Janu.iry I7tli, 1S30, "Dis- 
tinguished by her good sense and her good works." The following letter from Mr. 
I'owel to Mr. Morris, and indorsed by the latter, "A kind note received from Mi. 
Po7vet, when he thought me in distress, to be remembered, R. Morris," seems not oul 
of place here : 

Si'NnxY Afternoon. 

Sir: — Mrs. Powel informs me that she undersl.inds you are put to some diiScul- 
tics to procure a Waggon. If so, tho' I have not a W.-iggon, yet I have two carts, a 
light & heavy one, at my Place over Schuylkill, which are quite at your service if you 
have occasion for them. I have also an Horse in my Stable which is equally good for 
the cart or saddle & is also at your Service. 

I am sir 

Your ver)' humble servt 

S.^Mi'EL Powel. 



MRS. JOHN JAY TO MRS. ROBERT AWRRIS. 43 

when the gown is on, to be put under the shoulder-straps, 
and then the tippet is put round the edge of it, and ren- 
ders a tucker unnecessary. I can't imagine why it's called 
a Chemise, for I cannot discover any resemblance that it 
bears to that part of dress. The hat and cloak are 
fashionable at all seasons of the year, tho' in the winter 
the cloak is only worn in dress. Your stays, tho' made 
according to your direction, is perfectly the mode, stiff 
ones having long since been laid aside — but you forget 
that your waist has length as well as breadth, and, there- 
fore, you'll be obliging as to pardon your Taylor if he has 
not guessed right. Am I at liberty to draw any infer- 
ence from your partiality? 

As black and white riding hats are equally worn, 
I've sent both, the one trimmed in the present taste, 
the other without ribbon, that your own may be 
consulted; they are likewise very much worn of a 
morning, with the hair dressed without a cushion, 
as for riding. Should I have been so fortunate as 
to give satisfaction in the choice of the things, I shall think 
myself vastly happy, and always proud in being honored 
with your commands. May I flatter myself that this scarce 
legible scrawl will, as well as some former ones, meet 
with your indulgence. With my best wishes for Mr. 
Morris and my dear Kitty, I remain. 

My Dear Madam, 

Your very sincere and 
Affectionate Friend, 

Sa. Jav. 

When I proposed to myself this morning the pleasure 
of writing to my dear Mrs. Morris, I did not think I 
should have been limitted to a few lines ; but after writing 
a long letter to mamma, I find myself too weak to indulge 



^4 ^f^'^'- 70/iy 7.1 y TO A/A-S. KO/^EhT MOKK/S. 

myself. \'ou will, however, my dear friend, take die 
■will for the deed, and excuse, rather than blame me. 

As the experiments that have been made, and are daily 
making, of Globes filled with inflammable air, occasion vari- 
ous speculations and furnishes matters for a variety of con- 
jectures, 1 doubt not but accounts have already reached 
you of the experiment lately made near Paris, and there- 
fore take the liberty of sending you the engravings 
copy'd from it. It is confidently reported that the colour 
of the ball (which you'll perceive is of a yellowish cast,) 
will be the ton for next winter, and there are already 
liandkerchiefs, &c., a Ic ballon : if that be true, once more 
adieu, poor Malbroke! With best compliments to Mr. 
Morris, I remain, dear madam, 

Yours, &c., 

Sa. Jay. 

Passy, 12 Septr., 1783. 



EPIGRAM. 



OciasioneJ by Seiing Miss P'SSy Chew ' Among the Branches of a Tree in 
the Garden of B. Chew, Esq, 

The Hebrews write, and those who can 
Believe an apple tempted man 

To touch the tree exempt; 
Tho' tasted at a vast expense. 
'Twas too delicious to the sense 

Not mortally to tempt; 
But had the tree of knowledge bloom'd 
Its branches by such fruit perfumed, 

As here enchants my view, 
What mortal Adam's taste could blame? 
Who would not die to eat the same? 

When Gods might wish a Chew! 

i Afterwords U>e wile of Governor John Egar Howard, of Maryland. 



ROBERT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, Mo. 

Extract From a Manuscript "Narrative of the Principal Incidents inr 
THE Life of Jeremiah Banning. Written by Himself in 1793." In Pos- 
session OK Mrs. Emily E. Banning, of Witmington, Delaware. 

" * * * Y[Q shipped himself. Mate, on board the 
Sloop Oxford, under the command of Nicholas Price, be- 
ing bound on a voyage to the Island of Barbadoes. This 
vessel belonged to Foster Cunliffe & Sons, merchants, of 
Liverpool, & who had for many years, carried on an ex- 
tensive & lucrative traffick at Oxford, & particularly under 
the agency of Mr. Robert Morris, their factor; this gentle- 
man was one of those instances out of many to evince, 
that it is not always necessary to be high born & edu- 
cated to become a conspicuous character. This was 
quite the reverse with Mr. Morris, being brought up to 
the mean business of a nail maker, with a school educa- 
tion similar thereto. His great natural abilities o'er 
leaped every other dificiency. As a mercantile genius, 
t'was thought he had not his equal in this land. As a 
companion & bon vivant, he was incomparable. If he 
had any public political point to carry, he defeated all 
opposition. He gave birth to the inspection law on 
tobacco — & carried it — though opposed by a powerful 
party. He was the first who introduced the mode of 
keeping accounts in money, instead of so many pounds 
of tobacco — so many yard — so many gallon — so many 
pound, &c., — as was formerly the case. He was a 
steady, sincere, & warm friend, where he made profes- 
sions, and had a hand ever open and ready to relieve 
real distress. At repartee, he bore down all before him. 
His greatest foibles, that of a haughty & overbearing 
carriage, perhaps a too vindictive spirit, & to this may 
be added an extreme severity to his servants — and 

(AS) 



46 J^0B/:KT A/OA'AWS, of 0XFOf!D, Mn. 

which, indeed, might have been reckoned die greatest 
reflection on the times, for it was not uncommon, when 
people of the first class met together at each other's 
houses, to hear them boast of the new invented ways 
of whipping & punishing negroes & servants; & I am 
sorry to say, that the ladies would too often mingle in 
the like conversation, & seem to enjoy it. I am assured 
if such characters existed at this day, they would be 
hooted out of society. 

"Mr. Morris was father to the present Robert Morris 
of Philadelphia, and the most distinguished merchant 
of his time, in America, & perhaps exceeded but by few in 
the world, as to his extensiveness of trade, mercantile 
knowledge, popularity & probity in his dealings. 

"Mr. Morris, the elder, & agent to the great house 
of Cunliffe & Sons, of Liverpool, received his death 
wound in July, 1750, by the wad of a gun, fired by way 
of salute to him, from the ship Liverpool, merchant, 
Samuel Mathews, commander, then lying at Oxford. 
The accident happened in this manner: On the arrival 
of the aforesaid ship from England, Mr. Morris, with 
some other gentlemen, went on board, as usual on such 
an arrival; on his return, was accompanied by the 
captain, who had, before he left the ship, given orders on 
a certain signal to salute, with such a number of can- 
non — the signal was, when the captain put his finger to 
his nose — unfortunately, before the boat had rowed clear 
of the range of the guns, a fly lodged on the nose 
of Captain Mathews, he with his hand, without thought, 
brushed it away, this was taken by the officer on board 
as the signal. The guns were fired, the wad, of one 
of which past through the back-board of the pinnace, 
& struck Mr. Morris's arm a little above the elbow, 
broke the bone, & occasioned a great contusion, which, 



ROBERT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, MP. 47 

in a few days brought on mortification, and in August 
a period to his Hfe. 

"It may appear fabulous, but notwithstanding, as- 
suredly true, that Mr. Morris, had a favorite English 
spaniel, by the name of Tray, this dog kept by his 
Master, during his sickness, & in a few hours died. 
This is a fact, known by many, now living, & I, myself, 
saw the dog lying, under his masters corpse. I do not 
mention this, through any motive of superstition, but 
merely, as to the sensibility of those sagacious animals. 

"What led to the above particulars of Mr. Morris, 
was in order to give a sketch of the now poor, forlorn, 
& deserted town of Oxford, which was at the time of his 
death, & during his agency, & of which he was the 
principle promoter, the most commercial port in Mary- 
land, & where the store-keepers, & other retailers, both 
on the western & eastern side of Chesapeake, repaired 
to lay in their supplies. In those days, Talbot county 
afforded but very few stores. Easton (then called the 
Court-house) not one. Seven or eight large ships, at 
one time, hath frequently been seen laying at Oxford, 
completing their lading. It was no uncommon thing to 
despatch a ship of 500 hogshead of tobacco in one 
fortnight after their arrival. At that time tobacco did 
not undergo a public inspection as now — men skilled 
in that article were employed by the merchants, (and 
who were called receivers,) to view, weigh, & give 
receipts to the planters. After which vessels were sent 
to collect it, when it underwent a repacking & priseing 
preparatory to shipping. After the death of Mr. Morris, 
commerce, splendor, & the agreeable hurry of business 
at Oxford, gradually declined to the commencement 
of the Civil War, which broke out in 1776, when it 
became in a manner totally deserted as to commerce." 



^.8 AO/ifA'T t/CA'/'/.s; O/-- 0.\J-OKD, J/A 

Ndli: 1!V CIIARI.KS IIKNRV HART. 

Wlicn Kulit-n Morris came to llii.s country, it is inipossilile now to state, lie- 
was at t>xforil, as the factor of I'ostcr C'uiilitV, Ksq., of Liverpool, as early as June 27, 
1740, for there is n receipt of his extant Ix'ariny that date. V\>on Mr, Morris' death, he 
was succeedeil, as the representative of the CnnlitTs, by llenr)' Callister, wlio hail been 
a ilepiity under Mr. Morris, and was a man of fine education. In a letter to Robert 
Morris, the tinancier, dated Hecember II, 1764, Mr. Callister, who is asking for em- 
ploynicnt for a nephew, writes: "You are perhajxs yet too young to need lessons 
of mortality, I shall not plague you with them; 1 shall only tell you that I was the 
last that spoke to your father, and the last that heard him speak, (for I make no 
account of two or three old women in the chamber.) .\\ his reijuest, 1 read Plato's 
I'h;vilo, with which he was extremely pleased, and 1 am conlident he died with less 
jiain than he would have ilone without that." This last is a most interesting fact, 
and indicates that Mr. Morris was a man of such cultivation, that he could appreciate 
the woiils and the logic of the great philosopher. The statement by Capt. Hanning, 
that Robert Morris was originally a nail maker, seenis very doubtful, in view of the- 
fact that he was but forty at the time of his vleath, and ten years before, at the imma- 
tnre age of thirty, was the representative of a large commercial house in Liverpool. 
Capt. H. was but seventeen (Kirn March 25, I7.v>.) at the time of Mr. Morris' death, 
and this account was uot written until 1 793, so it is, of course, mere hearsay and 
recollection. 

In this connection, the following inscription upon Mr. Morris" tomb, in old White 
Marsh Burial-gunind, St. Peter's IWish, Talbot Co., Md., may be of interest: 

In memory of 
Riibeit Morris, a Native of Liver|>ool, in Great Britain, 
l^ite Merchant of C>xforti 
In this prvivince. 
IVnctual Integrity intluenceii his dealings, 
IVinciixils of Honor governeil his actions; 
With an uncv'nmion degree of Sincerity, 
He despise*! Artifice and Dissimulation: 
His Friendship was tirm, candid and valuable; 
His Charity frequent, secret and well adapted, 
His Zeal for the l\iblicke gooti, active and useful, 
I lis Hospitality was enhanced by his conversation, 
Seasoned with cheerful wit, and a sound judgment. 
A Salute from the canon of a ship 
The wad fracturing his arm 
Was the signal by which he dcpartetl 
Crcatly lamented, as he was esteemeil 
In the fortieth year of his .ige, 
(.In the 1 3th d.iy of July 
MDCCL 

"Copied from the Tombstone of Robert Morris, by Mr. EJw. Tilghman, Queen 
Ann County, Maryland, May 20. 1S51. 



ROBERT MORR/S, OF OXFORD, MD. 49 

" Receiving the copy of the Epitaph on the Tombstone of my grandfather, Robert 
Morris, has led me to reflect upon the circumstances attending his death, which I 
heard from my mother — and while the recollection is fresh in my memory, I deter- 
mined to write them down. 

" Robert Morris was a Merchant of high standing where he resided. It was custom- 
ary at that early day, when a large ship arrived — or was about sailing for England — 
for the owner to give an entertainment on board the vessel to his friends. Robert 
Morris had invited a large company to dine on board one of his ships. On the night 
previous to the day of the dinner, he dreampt the day had been agreeably spent, but 
in returning to the shore, he received a wound from the salute, (which it was custom- 
ary to fire,) and which would cause his death. The dream appeared a reality — he 
could not overcome it, he could not banish it from his mind — in fact, so overpowering 
was the feeling, that he determined not to join the party, and communicated to the 
captain of the vessel that he was under the necessity of absenting himself, and, finally, 
was compelled to relate to the captain his dream, and the effect it produced on his 
mind. He was aware of what would be considered the weakness of his feelings, but 
they could not be resisted, he had struggled with himself and made every effort before 
he could acknowledge it. The captain, finding that entreaties, persuasion nor ridi- 
cule, could change his determination, finally assured him that no salute should be fired, 
and Robert Morris very unwillingly yielded to his solicitations. The compwiny 
assembled on board, the day passed pleasantly. At the moment of their departure 
from the vessel, the captain came to Mr. Morris, told him the sailors could not under- 
stand why they were not to fire the customary salute — they would not be satisfied, as 
they then received their gla.ss of grog. K. Morris then stipulated that the salute 
should not be fired until he gave the signal, by waving his handkerchief. When the 
boat, in which the company were returning, was about half way between the ship and 
the shore, a lady accidentally dropped her handkerchief, the salute was fired, and 
Robert Morris received the wound which caused his death in three days. 

Another circumstance was told to me, that a little pet dog followed his master to the 
grave — could not be induced to leave it, — and died there. 

MARIA NIXON, 

Daughter of Robert Morris, and granddaughter of the above mentioned Robert 
Morris." 



Only very recently, as will be seen by the date of the certificate, has the existence 
of so important and interesting a document, as that which follows, come to light: 

Will of Robert Morris. 

In the name of God Amen. I Rofcert Morris, of Talbot County and Province of 
Maryland, merchant (Son of Andrew Morris Mariner and Maudlin his wife, both 
deceased, late of the town of Liverpoole in the County of Lancaster and Kingdom of 
Great Britaine) being in good and perfect health, and peace of mind, do this seven- 
teenth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and forty nine, make and publish this 
my last will and testament. 

Imprimis: I commend my soul to Almighty Cod, the Author and giver of life, 
and my body to be decently Intered in the earth, in hopes and full confidence of a 
4A 



CO KOlir.KT MOKKIS, OF OXFOKD, AID. 

joyfuU rfsuiioction, tluin\^;li ll\e nu'rils of Jesus Christ, the son of Goil, my Kr 

«lcomcr «nil Snvior, iiml,l ilispose of that worUlly estate with which it h:ilh pleiisol 

the Ahiiii;hty to bless mc ns follows: 

l''ii^t. 1 give to my Iicloveil sister Kllin Kcdestoii, wife of Ji)n;ithan Kccleston 

btiteher iit Livcrpoolc, one humlreil poiiiuls stcrliiij; money. 

Item. I give to my beloved sister Margaret Trout wife to deorge Trout, at Mr. 'Timothy 

Uollis's mcrehiiiU in London, one hundred pounds sterling money. 

Item. I give to my two cousins Kllin ond Sarah, daughters of ICaster Jackson late 

of Liverpool, ten pounds Sterling each. 

Item. 1 give to the lawful heir of Mr. John llorst, formerly my worthy mxster, late 

of I.ivcrpoole, dcecased, lifty ix>unds sterling. 

ltcn». 1 give to Sarah Wise of Talbot County in Maryl.mil, for the good will and 

nITection 1 have for her, two hundred and til^y pounds current money of Maryland, 

and my two silver pint canns, and six silver table S|K)ons. 

Item. I give to Sarah, Daughter of the said Sarah Wise, one hundred pounds current 

n\o>iey of Maryland. 

Item. 1 give to the child that Sarah Wise aforesaid is now with child of one hundred 

ivnuuls current money of the I'l-ovince aforesaid, and it is my will that the two bust 

mentioned sums shall l)e paid to the said Sarah Wise, immediately after my decea.se 

for the use of her said children. I also give to the said Sarah Wise the elder, one 

mourning ring anil the smallest of my two silver tankanis, and all niy shirts and other 

wearing linneu that 1 shall dye possest of. 

Item. I give to my friend John Ilanmer, of Kent County, Merchant, any six volumes 

of lH>okes that he shall chuse out of my Library and ten pounds sterling and one 

mourning ring. 

Item. I give to my friend John Caile, of Dorset County, Merchant, any six volumes 

of Ixioks that he shall chuse out of my Library and ten pounds sterling and one 

mourning ring, and the largest of my silver waiters. 

Item. I give to my friend Henry Caleister, Merchant, any six volumes that lie shall 

chuse out of my Library, and ten |X)unds sterling and one mourning ring and one 

of my mahogany an«d chairs. 

Item. 1 give to my friend James Nicols, of New Town, in Kent County, Attorney at 

l.wv, any six volumes that he shall chuse out of my Library, and ten (wunds sterling 

and one mourning Ring. 

Item. 1 give to my friend Risilon Bozman, of Talbot County aforesaid, the largest 

of my silver tankards ami one mourning ring. 

Item. I give to my friend William Cioldslvir^iugh, of Talbot County aforesaid, Attorney 

at law, my silver bottle crain and silver I'iiw and one niourning ring. 

Item. I give to my worthy mastci-s Foster Cuidifte, Ellis CunlitVc and Robt Cunlifl'e 

merchants, in Liverjxwle, all the pictures that 1 have hanging in their house at Oxfonl 

aforesaid and each of them one mourning ring. 

Item. I give to my friends Capt. John Johnson Mr. Thomas liitckhouse and Capt. 

Kdwaril liarnes, all of Liverixiole. one mourning ring each. 

Item. I give to my friend Mr. Robert Grcenway, ten (wumls sterling, and to him and 

Cicoigc Okell of rhiladelphia, one mourning ring each. 



KOBEKT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, Mo. 51 

Item. I give to my friend Capt. John Coward, one of my mahogany armd chairs, and 
my Cardwine or case, and the bottles it contains, and one mourning ring, and to his 
-son, my Godson, five pounds current money. 

Item. I give to Hannah Prout, Mary Markland and Mary Surty, al! of Talbot County 
aforesaid, ten pounds current money each and one mourning ring to each of them. 
Item. I give to Elizabeth, daughter of Mary Surty aforesaid, ten pounds current money 
and one mourning ring. 

Item. I give the poor people of St. Peters Parish, in Talbot County aforesaid, fifty 
pounds current money to be distributed amongst them by the Rector and Vestry of the 
said Parish. 

Item. I give to my friends Mr. Anthony Bacon of I^ondon, merchant, Mr. James Dick- 
inson the Kcvd. Thomas Bacon and Nicholas Goldsborough Junr. Mr. Samuel Cham- 
ijerlaine and Mr. John Leeds and Mrs. Margaret Lowe, all of Talbot County aforesaid, 
one mourning ring each. 

Item. I give all my lands and tenements whatsoever whereof I shall die seized in 
pcssession, reversion or remainder, to a youth now living with my friend Robert 
Greenway, in Philadelphia, known there by the name of Robert Morris Junior, who 
arrived in Philadelphia, from Liverpoole, some time in the year one thousand seven 
hundred and forty eight, and to him the said Robert Morris Junior, now living with Mr. 
Robert Greenway merchant in Philadelphia, I give and bequeath all the lands and tene- 
ments I shall die possessed of forever, and I likewise give to the said Robert Morris 
Junior all the rest and residue of my goods, chatties, merchandize, apparel and 
personal estate whatsoever. 

Lastly. I make constitute and ordain, my good friend John Caile, of Dorset County, 
John Hanmer and James Nicols, of Kent County and Robert Greenway of Philadel- 
phia, to be my Executors of this my will and I desire that they will execute this my 
will according to my true intent and meaning, and pay off the several Legacies I have 
left, and send the rings to the persons above mentioned, as soon after my deceased as 
they can, and dispose of all my effects in the best manner they can and transmit in 
bills of Exchange or otherwise the remaining part of my estate to Mr. Robert Green- 
way, of Philadelphia, to be kept by him in trust for Robert Morris Junr. till the said 
Robert Morris shall ask and demand it from him, and whenever Robert Morris Junr. 
now living with Robert Greenway, in Philadelphia, shall demand what effects I have 
given him by this my will I desire the said Mr. Greenway will deliver to him the said 
Robert Morris Junr. all such effecLs, whether it be remitted to him by the other of my 
Executors, in cash, bills or any merchandize whatsoever. I desire my Executors or 
such of them as shall be nearest to me when I die, to see me buried in St. Peters 
church yard, in Talbot County, if I die in Maryland, and to cause a handsome 
stone to be put over me with any in.scription that they shall think proper, and it is my 
will that they shall retain in their hands, as much of my money as will be sufficient to 
defray such expense. 

In witness whereof I the said Robert Morris have to this my last and only will and 
testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written. 

Robert Mukri.s [skai.] 

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Robert Morris, as and for his last 
will and testament, in the presence of us, whose names are here under written, who did 



1^2 ROBERT MORRIS, OF OXFORD, Mr>. 

ejiili of us sul>scril>c our names, as witnesses, nt his request ami in his presence in the 
n>oin where he tlien was. The wonis " one mourning ring and ten pounds sterling 
ami lo tiim" Iwing lirsl interlined. 
\Vm, Ki-.mi\ 
his 
Solomon x Cornish, 
mark 
llAii, Caiik. 

(>n the Kick of the aforegoing will was the following probate, thus written, \'n. : 
TallMt t'ounty lo wit, August 1st 1750. William Kemp, Solomon Cornish and 
Hall Caile the sulwcribing witnesses to the foregoing will being duly and solemnly 
sworn on the Holy Evangely of Almighty (lod, depose and say that they saw the 
Testator Rol>crt Morris sign the foregoing will and heanl him publish and declare the 
same to l>c his last will and testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the 
l>est of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memoi^ and that they 
suKscribcd their respective names as witnesses to the said will in the presence of the 
testator and at his rev^uesl. 

Certified by 

Jere. Nicoi-s, 
Dfply. Comry. of Talbot County. 

Maryiani>, Anne ARi'NnEL Coi'nty, Sit. : 

/ Hereby Certify, That the within and foregoing last will and testament of Robert 
Morris, is tndy copied from Liber D. O. No. 6, 1740 to 1750, one of the recortis in 
the oftice of the Register of Wills for Anne Arundel County aforesaid. 

Ih Testimetty Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of the 
Oqihans" Court for Anne .\nindcl County, this 26th day of January, A. U. 1SS3. 
[se.\l] Test: John W. Brashi^\rs, 

Register HIUs .4. A. County. 

The Inventor)' of Mr. Morris' estate on file in the above office covers twenty large 
folio Images, and the appraised value of his ]v;rsonal property was ;^255S, iSs., 6'id. 

The signature, under the portrait, from .in original oil painting, supposed to be 
by Feke or Hesselius, in the jx)ssession of his great grand-daughter. Miss Klizabeth 
Nixon, of rhiladelphia, is a fac-simile from an account current with James Tilghm.ir.> 
Esq., be.iring date Oxford. June 30, 1746. 




HON. HENRY MOORE RIDGELY, 

OK DKI.AWARE. 

TJENRY MOORE RIDGELY, 
■^ -'■ was the son of Dr. Charles 
GreenburyRidgelyand Ann Moore, 
his second wife, his mother being 
the daughter of WilHam Moore, 
Esq., of Moore Hall. He was 
born in the town of Dover, Dela- 
^ lb/' "^^ (L ^^'^^' ■^'Jg'Jst 6th, 1779. He re- 
^^^^^^^vSl-j^^^I^J^^'^^*^ ^ classical education at 
Dickinson College, and graduated 
with honor at that institution dur- 
ing the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Nesbit. He 
studied law in Lancaster, Penna., under the direction of 
the Hon. Charles Smith, and was admitted to the Bar 
in or about 1802, rapidly making his way into a very 
lucrative practice. His forensic talent, combined with 
much courtesy of manner and great moral integrity, gave 
him a commanding influence. He was contemporary 
with the elder Bayard, the Reads, Rodney, Van Dyke, 
Robinson, Hall, Clayton, McLane, Black, and other 
eminent lawyers of that school, and continued his 
practice, influence and eminence in their midst until he 
retired from the active duties of his profession, a few 
years before his death. 

At the age of twenty-seven, he was made President of 
the Farmers Bank at Dover, which office he held from the 
time of its incorporation in 1807, till a short time before 

(53) 



54 "OX. //f.vAM- AfooA-f: K/ncEr.y. 

his ilcatli. when failiiij^ hralth iinUiced him to resign; 
haviny[ then held it for forty consecutive years. He filled 
many important offices, the duties of which he discharjjed 
with ijreat ability. He held the office of Secretary of his 
native State tliirini^ the administration of three Governors, 
lie was first appointed by Governor Clark in 1S17, after- 
wards by Governor Stout, and again by Governor 
Painter. He was elected to Congress in 181 1, again in 
1813, and refused renomination in 181 5. He was fre- 
(juently elected to the State Legislature, and framed 
some of its best laws. 1 le succeetled Nicholas Van Dyke 
in the Ihiited States Senate in 1S27. He never sought 
office, but refuseil distinguished positions which were 
offered to him. C)n the death of his brotlier. Chancellor 
Nicholas Ridgely, in 1830, the commission was offered 
to him, and declined. He also declined the office of 
Chief justice. While Secretary of State, he collected 
tlie papers belonging to that office, which had been 
scattered in many places, arranged them in proper order, 
looked up the Archives of tlie State, and thus saved 
much oi interest and importance. His fondness for 
reading, and his literary attainments, with a remarkably 
retentive memory', made him socially a most delightful 
companion. He was married in 1803 to Sarah, daughter 
of John Banning, of Dover, Delaware; by tliis lady he left 
five diildren to survive him. He married a second time 
Sally A., daughter of Governor C. P. Comeygs, on the 
17th of May, 1842. He died August 6th, 1847, 't being 
the sixtv-eii'hth anniversarv oi his birth. Ed. 



INDENTURE OF APPRENTICESHIP OF 
WILLIAM KINNERSLEY. 

THE only real interest which attaches to the following 
document, arises from the fact that there is every 
reason to believe it refers to the father of the celebrated 
Ebenezer Kinnersley, A. M., the American Electrician, 
and who was, for nearly twenty years, the Professor 
of English and Oratory in the College of Philadelphia, 
now the University of Pennsylvania. The document was 
found among the papers of Rev. William Smith, D. D., 
Provost of the University, a warm friend of Prof Kin- 
nersley. If of no other use, it has informed me who 
was the grandfather of the Professor. The name of one 
of the witnesses is Elizabeth Kinnersley of whose rela- 
tionship to the parties I know nothing whatever. Morgan 
Edwards, the early Baptist Historian says, that while 
Rev. Jenkin Jones was pastor of the United Baptist 
Churches of Pennepek and Philadelphia, he had 
as his assistant, Mr. William Kinnersley, who, the 
same authority states, was born in 1669, at a place 
called the Lynch, near Leominster in Erdsfield parish, 
and County of Hereford. This document describes 
his father as Richard Kinnersley, of Upperton, in 
the parish of Shoborn, Herefordshire, yeoman, but noth- 
ing else is known of his ancestors. When about fourteen 
years of age, he learned the art or business of weaving, 
and no doubt followed it for a livelihood until he came to 
America, which was on the 14th of September, 1714, at 
the age of forty-five years. While still in England, he 
was, Mr. Edwards says, "an exhorter" in the Baptist 
Church at Tuxberry, but was never ordained. At Pen- 
nepek, he exercised his talent with acceptance, and no 
doubt often officiated while Mr. Jones, the pastor, 

(55) 



56 IXDE.VTURE OF WILL/AM KIX.VERSl.F Y. 

preached in Philadelphia. He died February 13, 1734, 
and was buried at Pennepek. His wife was Sarah 
Turner, of Ross, in Herefordshire, by whom he had two 
children, Ebcneccr, who married Sarah Duftield, and 
Jlfary, who married into the Hubbs family. Kbenezer 
was baptized September 6, 1735, was ordained in 1743, 
and preached at Philadelphia and elsewhere until 1754, 
when he became a Professor in the College. Of his 
career as a philosopher, and especially as the best known 
electrician of his day, I need not, in this prefatory note, 
speak. Suffice it to say, that his discoveries were such 
as to attract the attention of learned men, not only in 
America, where he was tlie first to deliver public lectures 
on the subject, but also in England and Continental 
Europe, as may be learned from Dr. Priestley's History 
of Electricity.^ 

Indenturk.- 

This Indenture witnesseth diat William Kinersly 
Sonn of Richard Kinersly of upperton in the Parrish 
of Shobdon in the County of hereftbrd yeoman, by and 
with the consent of the said Richard Kinersly his fadier 
hath Put himself an apprentice unto Rowland Stead 
of Leominster in the County of hereford, weawer to 
learne his Trade and occupation, and after die manner 
of an apprentice with him to dwell from the day of the 
date of Uiese presents unto the end And terme of seaven 
years then next ensueinge, fully to be compleat and ended, 
dureinge all which time the said William apprentice to the 
said Rowland his master, well and faithfully shall serve, 
his secrets shall keep, his Comandements lawfully and 
honestly evrj- where shall obay, hurt or damage to his 
said Master he shall not doe nor consent to be don 

* The above Prefatory Note has been furnished me by Horatio Gates Jones, the 
B.iplist Historian of Philadelphia, to wliom I submitted the original document. — lii). 

• Printed verbatim from the original, in tlie collection of W. F. Boogher. 



INDENTURE OF WILLIAM KINNERSLEY. 57 

to the value of twelve Pence by the year or above but he 
to his power shall let or hinder the same, or forthwith 
give warninge to his said Master thereof: Taverns of 
Custome, ends, or ale houses he shall not haunt, unless it 
be about his Masters bissinesse there to be don, att the 
dice cards or any other unlawfuU games he shall not 
play, the goods of his said Master he shall not wast, nor 
them to any one Lend without his Masters consent; 
fornication within the hous of his said Master nor with- 
out he shall not committe, matrimony with any woman 
within the said term he shall not contract nor espouse nor 
from his Masters service neither by day nor neight shall ab- 
sent or prolonge himself, but as a true and faithfull servant 
he shall demean himself towards his said Master dureinge 
the said term : And the said Master his said apprentice in 
the art, trade, and mistery and occupation which he useth 
shall after the best manner he can teach and instruct, or 
caus to [be] Taught and instructed as much as to the said 
trade or occupation belongeeth or in anywise Appertain- 
€th: The said Richard Kinersly father of the said Ap- 
prentice shall and doe stand ingaged to provide all manner 
of clothes and apparell both for mendinge and makeinge 
now at his Cost and charge befittinge such apprentice to 
have. And the said Master for his said apprentice shall 
find and provide for the said apprentice good and 
sufficient meat, drinke, washinge and Lodginge and 
shall at the end of the said Seaven Years Service deliver 
up to the said apprentice his said indentures. 

In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents 
have interchangeably set to their hands and scales the 
twenty sixt day of July Anno domini 1680 

Rowland Stead [seal] 

Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of 
Thomas Holder, Elizabeth Kinersly. 

her 

JOANE X OaFFEE. 
mark 



HISTORICAL PAPERS.' 



Samuel Allinson/ of Burlington, N. J., to Elias 
BouDiNOT, IN Relation to the Testimony of 
Quakers Against Negro Slavery. 

Burlington, 31st 5 mo: 1774. 
Respected Friend: 

As it was thy desire to see the minutes and pro- 
ceedings of Friends respecting Negroes when thou 
wast last at Burlington, I obtained the Minutes of our 
Yearly meeting intending to have given thee a perusal 
of them, but no fit opportunity afterwards offering, I 
am now induc'd, merely (I may truly say) from a love 
to Justice and a wish to promote it towards that in- 
ferior rank of mankind, to take the trouble of making 
the following extracts and copies from the book of 
Minutes of die Yearly meeting held for New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania, tho' I shou'd much rather have 
gratified thee with a sight of the whole: 
1688. The concern among friends appears to have 
arose from some German Friends, who pro- 
posed a consideration of " The Lawfulness 
or unlawfulness of buying and keeping of 
Negroes" to the said Meeting so early as 
the year 16S8. 

• Printed verbatim from a collection of letters to, and original drafts of, 
letters from Elias Boudinot, LL.D. (b. Phila, May 2d, 1 740; d. Burlington, N. J, 
Oct. 24, 1S21), now in the collection of Wm. F. Boogher, with Annotations by 
the Editor. 

' Son of Joseph and Elizabeth AUinson. 

(58) 



• HISTORICAL PAPERS. 59 

1696. The Meeting advised "That Friends be care- 
ful not to encourage the bringing in of 
any more negroes, and that such that have 
negroes to be careful of them, bring them 
to meetings or have meetings with them in 
their families and restrain them from loose 
and lew'd living as much as in them lies, 
and from rambling abroad on First days 
or other times." 

1711. "That Friends may be careful according to a 

former Minute (1696,) not to encourage the 
bringing in of any more, and that all 
Merchts. and Factors write to their corre- 
spondents to discourage them from sending 
any more." 

171 2. That meeting express this concern to the 

Yearly meeting in London in an Episde, 
and desire their assistance & advice, after 
advising with Friends of the other provinces, 
and duly considering the matter. 

1 7 14. The Yearly Meeting in London is Wrote to 

again on this subject " We also kindly 
received your advice about Negro Slaves, 
and we are one with you, that the Multi- 
plying of them may be of dangerous conse- 
quence, and therefore a law was made in 
Penna. laying a duty of 20^ upon every- 
one imported there, which law the Queen 
was pleased to disannul," and desiring that 
if another shou'd be enacted they wou'd 
aid its confirmation. 

1 71 5. "If any Friends are concerned in the importa- 

tion of Negroes let them be dealt with and 
advised to avoid that practice according to 



■6o HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

1 715. the sense of former Meetings in that behalf, 
and that all friends who have or keep ne- 
groes do use and treat them with humanity 
and a Christian Spirit, and that all do for- 
bear Judging or reflecting on one another 
either in public or private concerning the 
detaining or keeping their servants." 

1 7 16. Reference to the last minute enforcing it. 

1 719. "Advised that none among us be concerned 
in the fetching or import'g Negro Slaves from 
their own country or elsewhere. And that 
all friends who have any of them do treat 
them with humanity and in a Christian man- 
ner, and as much as in them lies make them 
acquainted with the principles of truth, and 
inculcate morality in them. 

1730. "That Friends ought to be very cautious of 
purchasing Negroes who are imported, it be- 
ing disagreeable to the sense of this meet- 
ing; and recommends it to the care of 
Monthly Meetings to see that such who may 
be or are likely to be found in that practice 
may be admonished and cautioned how they 
offend herein." 

1735. Repeats the caution "against encouraging the 

importation of Negroes by buying them after 
imported." 

1736. Repeated and a particular care recommended. 

1737. Repeated and accounts desired to be sent up 

of success. 
173S. Care in these respects again recommended. 

1739- 

1 74 1. ^The like in substance. 

1742. 



historical papers. 6 1 

1754. "Dear Friends: 

It hath frequently been the concern of our 
Yearly meeting to testify their uneasiness^ 
and disunity with the importation and pur- 
chas'g of Negroes and other Slaves, and 
to direct the overseers of the several 
Meet'gs to advise and deal with such as en- 
gage therein, and it hath likewise been the 
condnued care of many weighty Friends to 
press those who bear our name to guard as 
much as possible against being in any re- 
spect concerned in promoting the bondage of 
such unhappy people. Yet as we have with 
sorrow to observe that their number is of 
late increased amongst us we have thought 
proper to make our advice and judgment 
more public that none may plead ignorance 
of our principles therein, and also again 
earnestly exhort all to avoid in any manner 
encouraging that practice of making slaves 
of our fellow creatures. 

Now Dear Friends, If we continually bear 
in mind the Royal law of doing to others, 
as we would be done by, we shall never 
think of bereaving our fellow creatures of 
that valuable blessing Liberty; nor endure 
to grow rich by their bondage. To live in 
ease and plenty by the toil of those whom 
violence and cruelty have put in our power, 
is neither consistent with Christianity or com- 
mon Justice and we have good reason to 
believe draws down the displeasure of 
Heaven, it being a melancholy but true re- 
flection, That where Slavekeeping prevails 



^2 HrSTORrCAL PAPERS. 

1754. pure religion and Sobriety decline, as it evi- 

dently tends to harden the Heart and render 
the Soul less susceptible of that holy spirit 
of Love meekness and charity which is the 
peculiar character of a true Christian. 

How then can we who have been con- 
cerned to publish the Gospel of Universal 
love and peace among mankind be so incon- 
sistent with ourselves as to purchase such 
who are prisoners of War; and thereby en- 
courage this unchristian practice. And more 
especially, as many of these poor creatures 
are stolen away, parents from children and 
children from parents, and others who were 
in good circumstances in their native country 
inhumanly torn from what they esteemed a 
happy situation and compelled to toil in a 
state of Slavery, too often extremely cruel ! 
What dreadful scenes of murther and cruelty 
those barbarous Ravages must occasion in 
these unhappy peoples country are too ob- 
vious to mention : Let us make their case 
our own and consider what we should think, 
and how we should feel, were we in their 
circumstances. Remember our blessed Re- 
deemer's possitive command 'To do unto 
others as we would have them do unto us ' 
and that with 'what measure we mete it shall 
be measured to us again.' And we entreat 
you to examine whether the purchasing of a 
negro, either born here or imported doth not 
contribute by a further importation and conse- 
quently to the upholding all tlie evils men- 
tioned, and promoting Man Stealing, the only 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. g'j 

1754. theft which by the Mosaic law was punished 

with death. 'He that stealeth a man and 
selleth him or if he be found in his hands he 
shall surely be put to death.' Exod. xxi. 16. 
The Characteristic and badge of a true Christ- 
ian is Love and good works, our Savior's 
whole life on earth was one continued exercise 
of them. 'Love one another (says he) as I 
have loved you.' How can we be said to 
love our brethren, who bring, or for selfish 
ends keep them in bondage ? Do we act con- 
sistent with this Noble principle, who lay such 
heavy burdens on our fellow creatures? Do 
we consider that they are called and sincerely 
desire that they may become heirs with us in 
Glory and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of 
God whilst we are withholding from them the 
common liberties of Mankind? Or can the 
Spirit of God, by which we have always pro- 
fessed to be led, be the author of those op- 
pressive and unrighteous measures? Or do 
we not thereby manifest that temporal interest 
hath more influence on our conduct herein 
than the dictates of that merciful holy and 
unerring Guide? 

And we likewise earnestly recommend to 
all who have Slaves to be careful to come up 
in the performance of their duty towards them 
and to be particularly watchful over their own 
hearts ; it being by sorrowful experience re- 
markable, that Custom and a familiarity with 
evil of any kind hath a tendency to byas the 
Judgment and deprave the mind. And its 
obvious that the future welfare of these poor 



64 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

1754. Slaves who are now in bondage is generally 

too much disregarded by those who keep 
them, if their daily task of Labor be but ful- 
filled, little else perhaps is thought of; nay even 
that which in others would be looked upon 
with horror and detestation is little regarded 
in them by their Masters, such as the frequent 
separation of Husbands from wives and wives 
from husbands, whereby they are tempted to 
break their Marriage Covenants and live in 
Adultery, in direct opposition to the laws 
both of God and man, altho' we believe that 
Christ died for all men without respect of 
persons; how fearful then ought we to be 
of Engaging in what hath so natural a ten- 
dency to lessen our humanity, and of suffer- 
ing ourselves to be cursed to the exercise 
of hard and cruel measures, least thereby 
we in any degree loose our tender and feel- 
ing sense of the Miseries of our fellow 
creatures, and become worse than those who 
have not believed. 

And Dear Friends — You who by inherit- 
ance have slaves born in your Families, we 
beseech you to consider them as souls com- 
mitted to your trust, whom the Lord will 
require at your hands, and who as well 
as you are made partakers of the Spirit of 
Grace, and called to be heirs of Salvation, 
and let it be your constant care to watch 
over them for Good, instructing them in the 
fear of God, and the knowledge of the 
Gospel of Christ that they may answer 
the end of their Creation and God be Glori- 
fied and honored by them as well as by us, 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 65 

1754. and so train them up that if you should 
come to behold their unhappy situation in 
the same light that many worthy men who 
are at rest have done, and many of your 
brethren now do, and should think it your 
duty to set them free, they may be the more 
capable to make a proper use of their 
liberty. Finally Brethren; We entreat you 
in the bowels of Gospel love, seriously to 
weigh the cause of detaining them in bond- 
age. If it be for your own private gain, or 
any other Motive than their Good, it's much 
to be feared, that the Love of God, and the 
influence of the holy spirit is not the pre- 
vailing Principle in you, and that your hearts 
are not sufificiendy Redeemed from the 
World, which that you with ourselves may 
more and more come to Witness thro' the 
Cleansing Virtue of the holy Spirit of Jesus 
Christ is our earnest desire." 

1755. "It is the sense and Judgment of this Meeting 

that where any transgress this rule of our 
Discipline " (to wit) the being concerned in 
importing or buying of Slaves "the over- 
seers ought speedily to inform the Monthly 
meeting of such transgressors, in order that 
the meeting may proceed to treat further 
with them as they may be directed in the 
wisdom of truth." 
1758. "After weightily considering the circumstances 
of friends within the compass of this meet- 
ing who have any Negro or other slaves, 
the accounts and proposals now sent up 
from several Quarters, and the rules of our 
discipline relative thereto, much time having 



66 HISTORICAL P.trERS. 

1758. been spent, and the sentlm'ts of many friends 

expressed; there appears an unanimous con- 
cern prevailV to put a stop to the increase 
of the Practice of importing buying seUing 
or keeping Slaves for term of hfe, or pur- 
chasing them for such a number of Years 
as manifests that such purchasers do only in 
terms, and not in fact avoid the imputation 
of being keepers of Slaves; this meeting 
very earnestly and affectionately entreats 
friends individually to consider seriously the 
present circumstances of these and the ad- 
jacent provinces, which by the permission of 
Divine Providence have been visited with 
the desolating Calamities of War and blood- 
shed, so that many of our fellow subjects are 
now suffering in Captivity; and fervently de- 
sires, that excluding temporal considerations 
or Views of self-interest we may Manifest an 
humbling sense of these Judgments, and in 
thankfulness for the peculiar favor extended 
and continued to our Friends and brethren 
in profession, none of whom have as we have 
yet heard been slain or carried into Cap- 
tivity, would steadily observe the injunction 
of our Lord and Master 'To do unto others 
as we would they should do unto us' which 
it now appears to diis meeting would induce 
such Friends who have any Slaves to set 
them at liberty making a Christian provision 
for them according to their ages &c." 

1760. "As the Growing concern which hath appeared 
amongst us for some years past to discourage 
the practice of making Slaves of our Fellow 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 6j 

1760. Creatures, hath been Visibly blessed with 
success we earnestly exhort, that Friends do 
not abate of their diligence in this weighty 
matter, but continue in the love which ' bear- 
eth long and is kind' to labor with such 
as having membership with us do in any 
manner by buying selling or keeping them 
countenance the trade, to inform their under- 
standings and convince their Judgments, and 
some of us are firmly persuaded, that if this 
care is diligently and honestly pursued, the 
society will in time come up more universally 
in fulfilling the Evangelical Law of Righteous- 
ness." 
Several other admonitions and advices on this sub- 
ject have been since communicated by Friends to 
their members, but being nearly of the same import 
are not thought worth copying. I send thee not 
these with the least degree of Ostentation, but wish, 
that if any part of our Conduct be worth immitation 
it may be improved on, and we shall be glad to see 
our deficiencies supplied and ourselves extolled in 
every Virtuous effort, that we may have the task of 
Rectitude made easier by pursuing the footsteps of 
better way marks. 

I am thy true friend, 

Saml. Allinson. 



68 historical papers. 

Letter^ from Louis Pintard,'^ of New York, to Elias 
BouDiNOT, AT Philadelphia, Which is Supposed to 
BE the First Account Received at Philadelphia. 

New York, 24th April, 1775. 
Dear Elly: — We were alarmed yesterday with many 
melancholy accounts from Boston, of a skirmish hav- 
ing happened between the Inhabitants and a party of 
Soldiers. An express^ was forwarded last evening to 
the Southward, and I suppose you will be all in an up- 
roar about it this morning. I should be glad to in- 
form you a true state of the matter, but that is impossible, 
the accounts are too Various. At first the report was 
that 150 soldiers were killed & 50 inhabitants, then it 
was not so bad. And a third report was that the whole 

' Now in the collection of William F. Boogher. 

* Lewis Pintard. — In 1762 he appears as the owner of the schooner Catharine of 
six guns. A prominent merchant in the time of tlie Stamp .\ct, he was called upon by 
the Sons of Liberty in reference to a bond and Mediterranean pass, which the Com- 
mittee at Philadelphia informed the New York Committee, he had sent on stamped 
paper. He disavowed any intention of usingthe stamp. He was one of the Committee 
of Correspondence of Fifty-one of 1774, and of the Committee of One Hundred of 1775. 
He was connected with the Commission for the relief of .'Vmerican prisoners in the 
city of New York during the war. His wife Susannah died March Illh, 1772. He 
died March l6th, 1818, at the age of 86, one of tlie three last sur\ivors of the 
Chamber of Commerce. 

' On the 24th of April, 1775, the express arrived at Philadelphia, giving p.articulars 
of the battle of Concord and Lexington, and the first shedding of blood in actual 
conflict. Intense excitement was the result, and a meeting was called the next day at 
the State House, which was attended by eight thousand people. The proceedings 
were brief, but resolute. It was determined that an association should be at once 
entereil into for the defense of American liberty. This was the first movement towards 
enlisting troops against Great Britain in Pennsylvania. Measures were so vigorously 
managed that two thousand men were enrolled and otTicered in three weeks, consist- 
ing of three battalions under Colonels John Dickinson, Daniel Roberdeau and John 
Cadwalader, with an artillery company of one hundred and fifty men, having six field 
pieces, and a troop of light horse, which still exists under the name of "The First City 
Troop." These volunteers were on the 20th of June, reviewed by General Washing- 
ton before his departure to the camp at Cambridge, that being the first niilitary service 
of this distinguished patriot in his new position as commander-in-chief of the armies 
of the United States. 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 69 

detachment consisting of looo men, was cut of. A 
vessel arrived this day from Rhode Island, which left 
it Saturday & brings an account that an express Came 
in there with the news that 80 soldiers are killed and 
40 provincials & that the remaining soldiers had 
retreated back to Boston. Upon the whole, every body 
here are of the opinion that there has been blood spilt, 
but were in hopes it is not so bad as these accounts 
make it. As soon as any certain news arrive, I will 
advise you. Yesterday two Sloops loaded with pro- 
visions for the troops at Boston were unloaded, and 
the City Arms which were deposited in the City Hall, 
were secured by the Inhabitants & the whole City was 
in an uproar, altho' it was Sunday. It looks now as 
if they were coming to a crisis. My love to the family. 
I should have pushed on, Saturday afternoon to see you, 
but there was no wind and I feared a long passage & 
night dark. Tell Abby I rec'd her letter & will send the 
thing she wants for, this week I am at home. Solus all 
alone, having left my wife at N. Rochell with Johnny. 
Adieu. I am 

Yours Most affectionately, 

Lewis Pintard. 



Minutes of a Letter From Convention of New 
York to Congress, April 23D, 1777, — Now in War 
Office. 

Case of Major Edmonston sent with Letter as follows: 
I. — He was apprehended at his Estate in western 
Parts of Tryon County by an order of Committee. 
Genl. Schuyler last winter permitted him to go to 
Genl. Washington on Parole, in order to negotiate an 
Exchange. 6 Febry 1777 he obtained a proposal to 



70 HISTORrCAl rAPERS. 

Josh. Lorinc^,' E!sq., for an Exchange for Majors Williams, 
Brown or Wells. He went to New York where he 
remained till March when he set out by Land for 
Albany with a Letter from Genl. Howe to Genl. Schuy- 
ler dated N. York 18 Febry 177; agreeing to the 
exchange, provided ^L-ijor lulmonston was allowed to 
go by Land to Canada. At IVekskill, he obtained a 
Pass from Genl. McDougal, and after 20 Days spent 
on his Journey he arrived at Albany. The Convention 
ordered him to Kingston and on Elnquir)- found the 
Excuse for the Delay was the Badness of the Roads 
& difficulty of procuring Carriages. ist Night he 
lodged at Col. Thilysis. At Poughkeepsie in Dutchess 
County 10 Days with Toner. At Manor of Levingston 
some Days. Mr. Patterson is notoriously disaffected. 
Kinderhook the same. He informed a Gentleman of 
veracity of his intention of going to England while an 
intercepted Letter to his Patrons wherein he expects 
great Preferment in America & begs his interest. 
These Circumstances added to Genl. Howe's Ex- 
traordinary Exception, tJie Major's Character, the easy 
Conveyance from New York, his Delays &c. &c., render 
him suspicious. They detained him &• wrote to G. W., 
& at his desire they send him on to Congress. Con- 
gress refer him to N. York Members. 

'Joshua Loring, Capt. of the British Navy, b. 1731, made Capt. 1757; stationed 
fin American IjOces till 1 760; Commissi, of prisoners in Phila., 1777. Hopkinson 
alluded to his wife in his "Battle of the Kegs." d. in England, Aug. 1789. Ed. 



(HfSTORICAL P.\rEKS TO BE CONTlNVtri.) 





tfadualadfr. 



WiUiains. 




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f N.^- 





COLONEL THOMAS WHITE. 




By Tiios. n. Montgomery. 

OLONEL Thomas White, the 
father of Bishop White, was 
born in London, in the year 
1704, the second son of Wil- 
ham White, Junior, and his wife 
EHzabeth Leigh, whose portraits 
by Sir Godfrey Kneller, are in 
the possession of his descend- 
ants in this city. His father was 
the great grandson of Thomas 
White, Esquire, of Caldicott, who 
died in 1661, aged 78, and who 
was descended from John White, 
Esquire, of Hulcote, County^ Bedford, who died about 
1 50 1, and from whom also descended the Rev. Thomas 
White, D. D., Prebendary of St. Paul's and the Founder 
of Sion College, London. His mother was daughter of 
John and Susanna Leigh, the latter's brother being the 
Rev. Henry Downes, D. D., successively Bishop of Killala, 
of Elphin, of Meath, and finally of Derry ; Dr. Robert 
Downes, the latter's son, was successively Bishop of 
Ferns, Down and Connor, and of Raphoe. 

Colonel White's father died in February 1 708-9, 
leaving his widow and six children in straitened circum- 

lA (71) 



72 



COLOA'EL THOMAS WHITE. 



Stances. His mother was able to send him to a g^ram- 
mar school at St. Alban's ; but at the age of sixteen, he 
concluded to venture his fortunes in the new world, 
and in 1720, sailed for the new province of Maryland, 
having been apprenticed to Mr. Stokes, the Clerk of 
Baltimore County, a member of the bar of the Province. 
After some years assiduous attention to his duties, he 
became deputy to Mr. Stokes, accumulated books, and 
practiced law, and with his thrifty earnings began to 
purchase lands. As early as 1734 he was surveying, 
and eventually received the appointment of Deputy 
Surveyor to the Lord Proprietary for Baltimore County, 
which at that time embraced the territory now known as 
Harford County, which was set off in 1 773 ; his chief pur- 
chases were made in this latter section, and some of the 
tracts he then acquired are to this day occupied by his 
descendants. In the year 1730, he married in Spesutia.- 
Parish, Sophia, the youngest daughter of John Hall, 
Esquire, of Cranbury Hall, an estate lying on Bush 
River. Her brother Edward was Sheriff of Baltimore 
County, 1719-22, 1734-36, and Presiding Justice in 
1732 ; and her brother, Colonel John Hall, was Sheriff 
in 1730, and one of the seven commissioners appointed 
on the Union of the towns of Baltimore and Jonestown 
in 1745. The Halls had at first settled in St. Mary's 
County, but Sophia's father not being a Roman Catholic, 
had purchased and settled in Baltimore County, where 
he died in 1727, leaving large possessions, one of which 
he bequeathed as Sophia s Dairy, to his daughter, which 
became her home on marriage. Mrs. White died in 
1742, leaving three daughters, the eldest, Sophia, marry- 
ing her cousin Acquila Hall, and having a family of 
twelve children. 



COLONEL THOMAS WHITE. y ;^ 

Col. White's possessions of lands and goods increased 
rapidly. His tobacco he exported to London, and in 
return he received English wares, the disposal of which 
led him to remove, upon his wife's death, to Philadelphia ; 
taking a house on Market Street, he there dwelt, and on 
the lower floor traded off his importations and dealt in 
Maryland exchange. Iron of his own manufacture he 
here offered, for he had found iron ore on his estates, 
and with his accustomed force had entered into its 
production, and his books testify to the results of his 
Bush River Iron Company and Stafford Forge, the 
remains of which works can still be traced. 

He was married secondly by the Rev. Dr. Jenney, 
Rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia, to Esther New- 
man, the daughter of Abraham Hewlings, of Burlington, 
on 7 May, 1747. Esther Hewlings' baptism at St. 
Mary's, Burlington, is recorded by the Rev. John Talbot, 
on 29 March, 1719; her father and grandfather were 
Wardens of St. Mary's. To them were born two 
children, William and Mary, at their house on Market 
Street, the site of which is now known as No. 425. 
Here William was born, 24 March, 1747 (O. S.,) and 
Mary, 2 April, 1749 (O. S.) The grounds of the 
house stretched northwards to and were bounded by 
the Cemetery of Christ Church, and here were first 
formed by the young lad those thoughts of a future 
life which turned his mind to serious matters and led him 
eventually into the ministry of the church, which genera- 
tion after generation of his ancestors had been 
members of. Mary became the wife of Robert Morris 
the financier, on 2 March, 1769, and died 16 January, 
1827, Her brother survived her nine years, dying 17 
July, 1836, in the 89th year of his age. 

But Colonel White's Maryland estates were of too 



74 COLOXEL THOMAS WHITE. 

great value to leave entirely to his factors, and by 
frequent visits there he practically retained their man- 
agement in his own hands. In the charms of his 
daughter's family circle, he found at the same time 
recreation from the exactions of city life, and his younger 
children, who frequently accompanied him, formed strong 
attachments to their sister's home and to her and her 
young children. Here, while on a visit with his wife 
and William, he died, after a brief illness, on 29 Sep- 
tember, 1779, and was buried in the Hall Family Ground 
at Cranbury, whence his remains, with those of his 
first wife, were removed, 7 June, 1877, to the Cemetery 
of St. George's, Spesutis, of which parish he had been 
a Vestryman, as early as 1731, and being frequently 
elected thereto until his removal to Philadelphia. While 
in Philadelphia, he was not wholly engrossed with his 
multifarious concerns of property and business, his 
interest in educational matters led him to join in the 
efforts for an Academy, and he was among the first 
Trustees, in 1749, of the Public Academy, in the city 
of Philadelphia, which, in 1755, grew into the College, 
Academy, and Charitable School of Philadelphia, and he 
retained his Trust until his resignation in 1772, his 
only son having become an honored alumnus of it in 
1765, and becoming himself a Trustee in 1774, an office 
which he retained until his death, in 1836. Col. White 
also was one of the Commissioners of Peace in 1752. 
His wife survived him eleven years, dying in Philadel- 
phia, 31 December, 1790. 

He early took a warm interest in the discussions 
between the Colonies and the mother countr)', and, not- 
withstanding his love for his native land and his active 
correspondence with his sisters yet residing there, he 
maintained the position that the Colonies should not be 



COLONEL THOMAS WHITE. 75 

taxed without representation, and when the final issue 
was met, vindicated his rights as an EngHshman by 
upholding the Colonies in their resistance to encroach- 
ment, though from bodily infirmity unable to take any 
active part in the contest. He never wavered, though 
there were dark seasons in the early years of the strug- 
gle, which was still undecided at his death, when he 
may have refle6led on the possible confiscation of all 
his estates in Maryland. In a letter to his agents in 
London, Messrs. David Barclay & Sons, 1 1 November, 
1765, he writes: "Please to send me a good Pinchback 
Watch, with a green Shagreen case; a piece of yd. wide 
Irish Shirting Linen, at 3^'. dd.; and a piece of ditto, at 
3^-. pr. yd. But not if the Stajnp Act be tmrepealed." 

Seventy-five years of a useful and honored life he had 
passed. A man of dignity and courage in all business 
relations, he possessed also true affections in a remark- 
able degree. For fifty-five years he had been separated 
from his sisters, but a continuous correspondence testi- 
fies to his interest in them and their concerns, and only 
his official affairs and later a lameness, the result of a 
carriage accident, had prevented him visiting them. His 
obituary can best be read in his son's words: "My hon- 
ored Father left the world with the reputation of 
unsullied integrity through life." "Among his many 
good qualities was strict Temperance and scrupulous 
Integrity. Perhaps no man ever lived and died with a 
more unreserved Acknowledgment of these Properties 
of character." And "he was indulgent to his family in 
all their reasonable Desires, and was attentive to ye 
keeping of a plentiful and hospitable Table." 

The portrait of Col. White given in this number is 
reproduced from a miniature by Charles Willson Peale, 
now in the possession of his great-grand-daughter, Miss 
Nixon. 



OPENING OF THE STATES GENERAL, 1789. 

LETTER FROM GOUVERNEUR MORRIS TO MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 



Communicated by Charles Henry Hart. 



Paris, iith May, 1789. 

My Dear Madam: — This would be a very interesting 
letter, if I would describe to you the things which I see. 
And if I would describe to you the things which I feel, you 
would see how ardently I desire to quit this glittering 
scene, and how I pant for my native land and that circle 
of friends without which life is not worth possession. 
But such descriptions require more fervor of genius than 
I possess, so that (to borrow Shakespear's language,) 
my "baser stars do shut my eyes in wishes." 

I was yesterday at the country seat of Mr. Le Couteulx, 
which formerly belonged to a Princess of Conti, near the 
famous water-works of Marli. In the morning, before 
breakfast, I mounted on the aqueduct, which is as high as 
a steeple and placed on the brow of the highest hill in 
that neighborhood. From this place we behold the dis- 
tant domes of Paris, and above an hundred villages 
scattered about the borders of the Seine, or perched on 
the declivities of steep hills encircling the valley thro' 
which it meanders. This valley is most highly cultivated 
in small plots, and without fences, so as to present an im- 
mense carpet of variegated green. For twenty miles, 
at least, the Seine winds along in view, and visits in his 
course every grade of society, from the hovel, which 
shelters wretchedness, to the fastidious pomp of royal 
habitation. Contemplating this great expanse, worthy 
alike of the painters' pencil and the poet's pen — it was 
the coolness and fragrance of the morning, and all was 

(7f>) 



OPENING OF THE STATES GENERAL, jjSg. JJ 

silent, excepting only the murmur of distant bells, whose 
sounds were mingled from a thousand steeples — my 
mind insensibly fell into deep meditation and led me to 
an American cottage. It was built of logs, but very clean, 
and retired from the high road. In front a small garden ; 
at the foot of it a little meadow, through which runs a 
lively stream of water, cool and clear, and beyond that a 
forest of lofty trees. I thought I saw two citizens 
escaped from the labors and cares of the week, who were 
trying to decoy the shy and voracious trout. I believe 
you can fill up the rest of this picture. I cannot convey 
the reflections or sensations which arose from comparing 
the prospect before me, with that which presented itself 
to my mind's eye. Feeling as a man for the miseries of 
the many, and feeling as an American for the general 
ease and happiness of my country, I exulted in the con- 
sciousness that we are members of a society which is 
composed neither of subjects nor of slaves, but of men; 
that we live in a land where no palace dare insult, and 
no misery need complain. In that dear native land I 
have friends most dear; who fill with propriety the place 
a kind Providence has allotted to them ; to whom respect 
gives rank, and with whom virtue is nobility. May they 
be happy! 

I had the honor to be present on the fifth of this 
month at the opening of the States General. A spec- 
tacle more solemn to the mind, than gaudy to the eye. 
And yet there was displayed everything of noble and 
royal in this titled country. A great number of fine 
women, and a very great number of fine dresses, ranged 
round the hall, on a kind of stage — the throne. On the 
left of the King and a little below him, the Queen. Re- 
tired a little behind him to the right and on chairs, the 
Princes of the Blood. On the right and left at some dis- 
tance from the throne, the various Princesses with the 



78 OFEXIaXG of the states general, lySg. 

gentlemen and ladies of their retinue. Advanced on the 
the stage, to the left of the throne, the Keeper of the 
Seals. Several officers of the household richly capari- 
soned, strewed about in different places. Behind the 
throne, a cluster of guards of the largest size, dressed in 
antient costume, taken from the times of chivalry. In 
front of the throne, on the right, below the stage, the 
Ministers of State, with a large table before them. On 
the opposite side of the hall, some benches, on which sat 
the Marshalls of France and other great officers. In 
front of the Ministers, on benches facing the opposite 
side of the hall, sat the representatives of the Clergy, be- 
ing Priests of all colors, scarlet, crimson, black, white 
and grey, to the number of three hundred. In front of 
the Marshalls of France, on benches facing the Clergy, 
sat an equal number of representatives of the nobility, 
dressed in a robe of black, waistcoats of cloth of gold, 
and over their shoulders (so as to hang forward to their 
waists,) a kind of a lappel about a quarter of a yard wide 
at top, and wider at bottom, made of cloth of gold. On 
benches which reached quite across the hall, and facing 
the stage, sat the representatives of the people, cloathed 
in black. In the square between the Clergy and Nobles, 
directly in front of the representatives of the people, and 
facing the throne, stood the Heralds at Arms, with their 
staves and in very rich dresses. 

When the King entered he was saluted with a shout 
of applause. Some time after he had taken his seat, he 
put on a round beaver ornamented with white plumes, 
the part in front turned up, with a large diamond button 
in the centre. He read his speech well, and was inter- 
rupted at a part which affected his audience by a loud 
shout of Vive le Roi! After this had subsided, he 
finished his speech, and received again an animated 
acclamation. He then took off his hat, and after a while 



OPENING OF THE STATES GENERAL, lySg. 79 

put it on again, at which the nobles also put on their 
hats, which resembled the King's, excepting the button. 
The effect of this display of plumage was fine. The 
Keeper of the Seals then performed his genuflections to 
the throne, and mumbled out in a very ungraceful 
manner, a speech of some considerable length which 
nobody pretends to judge of, because nobody heard it. 
He was succeeded by Mr. Neckar, who soon handed his 
speech to his clerk, being unable to go through with it. 
The clerk delivered it much better than the Minister, and 
that is no great praise. It was three hours long, con- 
tained many excellent things, too much of compliment, 
too much of repetition and detail, too much of everything, 
for it was too long by two hours, and yet fell short in some 
capital points of great expectation. He received, how- 
ever, very repeated plaudits from the audience, some of 
which were merited, but more were certainly paid to his 
character than to his composition. Mr. Neckar's long 
speech now comes to a close and the King rises to depart. 
The hall resounds with a long loud Vive le Roi! He passes 
the Queen, who rises to follow him. At this moment, some 
one imbued with the milk of human kindness, originates 
a faint Vive la Rei7ie! She makes a humble curtesy, and 
presents the sinking of the high Austrian spirit. In return 
a livelier acclamation, and to this her lowlier bending, 
which is responded by the shout of loud applause. 
Here drops the curtain on the first great act of this great 
drama, in which Bourbon gives Freedom. His Courtiers 
seem to feel what he seems to be insensible of, the pang 
of greatness going off. His position, however, offers the 
sensation of a far greater greatness — that of the Patriot 
Prince, who rules in the affection of more than twenty 
million souls. You see that, as usual, I have no room for 
professions. Yours, 

Gouv. Morris. 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

(Continued from page 70.) 



Louis Pintard to Elias Boudinot. 

New York, 19th May, 1777. 

Dr. Sir: — I have received both your favours of 29th 
Ulto. & 5th Inst, the latter enclosing a Commission 
appointing me deputy Commissary Genl. of Prisoners, 
which Commission I return to you herewith, as I cannot 
hold the same, and I must inform you that I believe 
no person bearing the like would be permitted to remain 
in this City & act under it. Joshua Loring, Esq., 
Commissary of Prisoners here, to whom His Excellency 
the General has referred all these matters, informs me 
that His Excellency has no objection to my receiving 
provisions & any other necessary, for tlie prisoners & 
distributing the same to them in any manner that may 
be most Comfortable to them, which I am ready & 
willing to do; the first bill of exchange you have sent 
me David Franks on Arnold Nesbitt, Adam Drummond 
& Moses Franks, Esqs., of London for Six Hundred 
pounds Sterling is come safe to hand & shall be dis- 
posed of & the amount Immediately applied as you 
direct for which purpose I shall go over to Long Island 
to-morrow or next day to meet the officers, but tliis Sum 
divided amongst them all is so trifling that it will do 
them but little good especially as I am inform'd they 
owe Considerably for their Board, you'll please not 
forget to send the 2d & 3d bills. I sold a bill last week 
for 2yi & 6d. more than parr which brings the exchange 
up to 2 & 6d. & a trifle more & suppose this bill will sell 
for the same. 

Mr. Loring informs me that His Excellency the 

(So) 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 8r 

General will permit you to send in not only the neces- 
sary provisions for the Consumption of the prisoners, 
but also as much more to be sold as will furnish thera 
with every other necessary that they may require, your 
taking advantage of this indulgence would be a great 
Saving as there would be a small profit rather than a 
loss on the provisions you would send in unless their 
prices are greatly risen since I left you, & by the price 
Bill of exchange you have sent has cost near fifty 
& 6a? is Sunk, but I am desired to inform you that 
it will now be expected that full supplys be sent in 
for all the Prisoners now here and for all such as may 

hereafter be brought in. I suppose I shall see 

on the Island & will endeavour to get from him his 
account of expenditure to forward to you as you desire. 
Mr. Loring will write to you by the same oppertunity that 
he forward this and I refer you to him for the return 
of the Prisoners that you require. When you write 
me again please to do it always under Cover to him,, 
he writes you about the Exchange of Mr. Fell & 
I will take care to supply him with what he wants. 
The Family are all well & desire to be remembered to 
you and yours. I am Dr Sir 

Yours Sincerely 

Lewis Pintard. 

Elias Boudinot, Esq. 



Joseph Mersereau to Elias Boudinot, Esq. 

THE following is a Lists ^ of expenses which have been 
paid & are yet to Pay on acct. of Continental 
Prisoners taken from Robt. Pierpoint's Books, who has 

' The editor of these papers finds it impossible to print them in chronological 
order, as many are but original drafts without date ; but all (which have any historical 
interest) will be published. 



82 



///STORICAL PAPERS. 



acted as Commissary of Prisoners for the Slate of 
Massachusetts : 

« 777— June islh. 

To Cash paid Expences Bringing 17 Regulars, Prisoners taken, 
Coming over from England to Join General How & Carried into 
Dartmouth in his State, from thence brought by land to this 
Town, & Put on board Rising Empire Guardship, as pr. acct., 

which the Hon, Council / 18. lU. icxf. 

July 20th. 

To Cash Paid Sundry Charges for Hessian Prisoners, Nett, 

Fresh meat for 72 the first day £ I lis. oJ. 

rd. Child for meat for Ditto 116 

Greens and Turnips at Sundry times 12 

Major Milvil for Guarding the Hessian officers from 

Boston to Cambridge Goal 12 

Fresh beef 36^. Carting IVovisions, 20f 26 

rd. Ferriage Prisoners & baggage over Winnisimet 

Ferry iS 

7 16 



Pd. Henry Christ'n Geyer in part of his acct. for an 

Interpreter & attendance on the Hessians ... 3 12 
Aug. 2d. 

Pd. Sundry Charges for the above Prisoners when 
Sent from Boston to Worcester Goal, 6 in num- 
ber, at Bakers in Brooklyn, Going 16 

Supper & Lodging in all at Waltham & keeping 

Horses 3 '8 

At Baldwin's & Jones, for Breakfast & horse-keep- 

'"« 3 '8 

At the Widow Gleasons, for Dinner & Drinks 16 

Sup[>er & Lodging I 14 

Breakfast & Sundrys, Horse-keeping at Mannes . . 29 

At Woodbum's on my way Home 19 

Pd. General Heath Guards 12 

Pd. George Friederik Byder, his bill for attendance 5 16 

Team hire, 17 Myles, Carry Ba^age, ®2i. (>J. . . 5 '7 

Horse& Chaise hire, 17 Miles, @ IJ. 61/. 3 10 

Eight loads of Breccks & Sand & Clay, Carted from 

Roxbury 4 16 

Two m. Breecks a 501. for Prison Ship 5 

Pd. the Crew to go toward the Town to get men to 
go on board the Prison Ship for Guards in attend- 
ance 5 



33 S 



HISTORICAL PAPEKS. 



85 



1777 — Sept. 1st. 

Pd. Daniel Mears & Benj. James towards their wages on board 

Prison Ship £ o 12s. od. 

Joseph Powers as per Rect. for Storage Prisoners baggage ... 6 

Sept. 4th. 

To Cash pd. 4olb Iron, Prison Krigt. Favorite @ 

■^'•("i- C 5 

I Iron kettle @ £\ y. 7fl'.,togrocies . 203 
I do Pott 42 



245 



626 



I Pott & Large pott hooks for use of Prison Ship 

Kingston I 15 12 

Pd. James Ray for 3 days work on bd. Brigt. Favorite .... i 

Vennary Thomas 3 days d. on bd. Ditto I 

Eben Prout for his work in preparing Guard Ships I 

Elijah Roberts his bill for work on bd. Brigt. Favorite, & for 

Bording himself 3 

Sept. 6th. 

Pd. for a Locke & key for Brigt. Favorite I 

James Bernard, his bill for 6^ days work on board the Kingston 

Prison Ship, a I2r. pr. day, & 2 Stock Locks I2j 4 

Pd. John Snelling, his bill for 5 days work on bd. Ship Kingston. 3 
Pd. Andrew Townsend his bill for his & others work on board 

Brigt. Favorite, making Platforms, bobbins. &c 13 

Samuel Porter, his bill for 5 days work on bd. Brigt. P'avorite . I 

Joseph Eustice, his bill 4 

Wilkenson, his bill for work on bd. Kingston 4 

Edward Black, his bill of work for 2 handi, three days, on bd. 

Prison Ship Kingston, @ I2j. pr day 3 

James Black, his bill for 2 hands, 3 days on bd. I'rison Ship 

Kingston 3 

Thomas Cooper, towards his wages on bd. Kingston I 

Samuel Drowne, towards his wages on bd. do 

John Perrigo, his bill for 2^ days work on bd. Prison Brigt. 

Favorite, Caulking Deck, &c I 

Henry Simpson, his bill for Sundrys for Prison Ship Kingston 1 1 

Thomas Thorp for 5 days Labour on bd. Prison Favorite ... 2 

Joseph Sargent for i Load ballast put on bd. Favorite 2 

Capt. Bartlet for 4 hands, Sundry days work on bd. Favorite . . 5 

William Homer for Mason work 3 

Thomas Greene for 2 Large Iron kettles at liolb at dd, for 

Prison Ship ' 2 

Sept. 7. 

Pd. William Shaley his bill for bringing a Prisnors I 

William Prichard pr. Rect. for assistance at 6f, Prisoners, Ace . . i 
Oct. 2d. 

Daniel Mears pr. Rect. on acct., his wages on bd. the Kingston, 

ommitted Sept. nth 



-■84 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

1777 — '^i^'- 2<i. 

Pd. Entertaining a woman & sick child 6 days at ds. pr. day; this 

is one of the Highlanders from Covington ^" i 

Oct. 4th. 

IM. William Prichard his bill in Part for wages \ 

Pd. Supper, Lodging & Breakfast for 6 men & paid Cyder for do. 
at ^s. each man, this the Guard that Brought officers taken at the 
I„ike 1 

Pd. Dinner & Drinks for 2 Gentlemen that brought 2 otiicers 
Prisoners from Governor Trumbill's at Connecticut 

Pd. Supper, Lodging & Breakfast for 4 officers & 4 Servts. brought 
from Woburn, and waited the Council's orders, which was to 

put them on board Prison Ship 2 

Oct. 20th. 

Pd. Henry C. Geyer in p.-irt of his bill for attend, on Hessians. 
•Oct. 2ISt. 

Pd. Benj. Ingersol, 4)^ days work on bd. Prison Ship Kingston... 2 

Pd. Wm. Bennet for so much he saith he paid Lalx)urers for Sun- 
dry Jobbs on bd. Brigt. Pennis, which had been taken up, but 
was discharged 

Pd. Wm. Hardvvich, the Dutch Minister, for his Service as an In- 
terpreter for the Dutch & Hessian prisoners on board the Ships 
and on Shore for 3 Months & his board, as he took much pains 
to convert them over to our Interest 20 

Pd. for 321b Iron for the Cabbouses on board Prison Ships, at 2i. (>d. 4 

Pd. Wheelright & Bernard for Iron bound Water Casks for do. . 2 
Nov. 1st. 

Pd. Henry C. Geyer on acct. of his bill for attending the Hessians. 4 

Pd. Moses Bliss for bringing an Indian Prisoner from Springfield 
to Boston & Expenses 6 

Pd. Edwd. Richardson for carrying B.iggage for such Prisoners 
from Hancock's Wharf to Hospital 

Pd. for Provisions & Entertaining Prisoners 5 Nights on a Signal, 
the Storm being so great they could not be got on board Prison 

Ships I 

Nov. 7th. 

Pd. Rogers his Bill for Lumber on board Prison Ships 7 

Pd. Provisions for 6 Women, 5 days in the Work House, these 
were Soldiers Wives from the Kingston Prison Ship 3 

Paid John Healy for Truckage, Sundrys on board IVison Ship 

Kingston i 

Nov. 15. 

Pd. for 2 loads Wood for Canadian Prisoners at the Work Hou.se. 4 

3 Bushels Potatoes & Turnips for do i 

Is'ov. 17. 

To Cash pd. Paul Farmer (or the use of the Work House, for the 
Hessian Prisoners, from 2d July to 2d August, 4^ Weeks at 
Soj per Week iS 

Pd. Carting 2 Loads bread & Provisions to the Work House for 
the Canadian Prisoners 



HISTORICAL PAPEKS. gc 

1777 — Nov. 17th. 

Pd. Thomas Brewer for Winds for Kingston Prison Ship . . . . £ o 151. od. 
Pd. a Ix)ad Straw for Canadian Prisoners at Work House. ... 9 
Pd. Andrew Townsend tow'd his bill for Work on bd. Kingston. 3 

Nov. 1 8th. 

Pd. I pail IS. bd. pail of Soap, 8j. dd. I load Wood for Canadian 

Prisoners at the Work House, 24? i \a 

Nov. 19th. 

Pd. 2 Bushels Sauce for Canadian Prisoners, Work House ... i6 

Sauce, Salt & Candles for Canadian Prisoners, Work House . . i 16 
Pd. Wm. Prichard in part for looking after Canadians i 10 

Nov. 20th. 

Pd. I Load Wood 30J., 2 Bushels Turnips, onions. Potatoes, 

Garrets, ids 2 6 

Pd. keeping Guard, 2 Suppers, breakfast & Lodgings from 20th to 
2 1 St, that brought Comet Grant back from Providence, where 
he made his Escape 12 

Nov. 2ist. 

Pd. 2 Bushels Potatoes for Canadians 16 

Pd. Thomas Edes 4^ days Work on board Kingston 3 76 

Nov. 24th. 

Pd. Carting 2 Loads Baggage from Row's Wharf to Work House. 18 

2 Bushels Sauce for Canadians, ids. 2d., 3 Busheb do. for do. 24f. 2 

Nov. 27th. 

Pd. I Ix)ad Wood for do. 3.f., 2 Buiihels Sauce for do. i6.f. . . . 26 
Nov. 28th. 

Pd. 2 Bushels Potatoes fordo 16 

Dec. 2d. 

Pd. Thos. Boutenau for Interpreting Letter from French into 

English 6 

Dec. 4th. 

Pd. 2 Bushels Sauce for Canadians, i6j. 5(/., 2 Bushels i6j. for do i 12 
Dec. nth. 

Pd. 6 Bushels do. for do. for three days, at 8x 2 8 

Dec. isth. 

Pd. Wm. Prichard for acct. of Attendance on Canadians . ... 3 12 
Dec. 1 6th. 

Pd. 4 Bushels Sauce for Canadian Prisoners i 12 

Dec. 13th. 

Pd. Jerem'h Parker for I lolb beef for Prisoners on bd. Kingston, 

^""■^ % li 

Pd. Edwd. Gookin for 571b do. for do i 194 

(The above to make up what fell short by allowing i6oz to the 
pound.) 
Pd. Wm. Prichard in full to 1st Dec, attending upon Canadians, 

&c., from 15th November 6 8 

Pd. Wm. Prichard after settlement in pt. for Attendance upon 

Canadians •> 7 



86 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

1777 — Dec. 22. 

Pd. Ebenezer Trout on Acct., he being Stewd. of Prisn. Ship 

Kingston / 6 o.t. ( 

Pd. Roots for Canadian Prisoners, 6 days, 2 bushel pr day ... 312 
1778 — Jan. 4th. 

To Wood for special duard Carted to North Hattery, as there wa.s 

great reason to suspect ye'l'risoners would try to get away this 

night £ 1 

5 lb. Cheese at 2J. 6 d., 2 qts Hum 28j., Sugar 2s. . 226 

Pd. Capt. Lamber with 9 Men for Guard, .... 74 

Jan. 7th. >o 6 6 

I'd. carriage of 2 Sick prisoners fr. N. End to Hospl., Man, Horse 

and Chaise, '2 

I'd. Capt. David Wyer for serv'g as Capt. on board Kingston 

Prison Ship, as pr his Acct. at the Council '5 '5 

Pd. for a Hoat to Carry 30 prisoners of Burgoynes on bd. Prison 

Ship Rising Empire, by an order from Major Genl. Heath, . . 6 

Jan. 8th. 

Pd. Isaac Sears for an Iron Boiler for 300 Men as pr Acct., \vt. 

1375 lbs. @, 6</, for Prison ship Kingston 34 7 6 

Pd. Tim. Newell for Sundrys for use of Prisoners on bd. Prison 

Ship, 17 4 

Pd. Joseph Webb for sundrys for Prison ship, &c., 9 3 6 

Feb. 5th. 

Pd.Wm.Prichardonacct.of his Ser\ice with Continental Prisoners, 4 10 
Pd. Thos. Hopkins his Bill for Burying a Soldier that was froze 

to death in endeavoring to run away from the Kingston, and 

died at Charlestown, 4 3 

Pd. Portlidge Bill for Prison ship Kingston from 1st Jany. to 1st 

Feby 61 

The Hon'ble Board of Wars bill for Hire Brig Favorite for a 

Prison Ship from Augt. 26th, 1777 to Oct. 26, two months at 

£%•} 10s. pr month I7S 

Isaac Harper his Bill for Water for Prisoners on bd. Brig. Favorite, 2 8 
C)verseers of Work House for the Town of Boston bill for Rent of 

Work house from Nov. 15th, 1777 to Jan. 15th, 1778, is 8>^ 

Weeks for use Canadian Prisoners, at Sos. pr Week 34 

Andrew Townsend's bill for himself and others Work on board 

Prison Ships from 12th Sept. 1777 exclusive of what I have pd. 

him and others, 66 61 

Bryant & Dennis's Acct. for Lumber for Prison Ships 1 1 4 

Thos. Green's acct. Truckage, bread for Prison Ship Kingston . I 4 
Wm. King's bill Cording 4)4 Cord Wood for do. 4 10 

Isaac Freeman's ^Bill 15 days attendance on bd. Prison ship 

Kingston 6 

Benj. Burdet's Acct. for his Trouble iS: attendn. with Hessians 

and Canadi.ins, &c. pr. Acct 22 4 

John Brown's Acct. for Work on board Kingston, i\;c 35 '^ 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 87 

1778— Feb. sth. ... . / 

Gibbons, Sharp & Co. Bill for mending flatt-bottom boats, . .\. £it) lyj. %d. 
Ebenezer Proud's bill being Stewd. of Prison Ship Kingston, 63 11 

Patrick Quinn's bill for Truckage for do 26 12 

Wm. Prichard for the ball, of his acct attendg. upon Prisoners, 

&c., from 1st Dec. to 5th Feby 22 17 

Eben. Purpont's acct for writing in Office from Sth Aug., 1777 to 

Sth Feb., 1778 is 6 mo. at £l<^ mo go 

5 Iron bound Water Casks at 72J., td. at 24J. Carting, 24J. did. 

for Prison ships & omitted 26 

2 Cord Wood for Brig. Favorite, om. Sept. 3d, 1777 at 8+s. £?> 8j. 
2 Cord do for do Oct. 14, 1777, ... 88 

2 Cord do for Ship Kingston, Nov. i, 1777, ... 88 
2 Cord do for do 7, 1777, ... 88 

6 feet do for prisoners at Work House 33 

36 15 

Richd. Floyd's bill for Work for Kingston, Cooperage, &c. . . . 11 ig 

Wm. Page's Bill for Water for do 10 9 

John Ayers' Acct. for Water, &c 2g 14 6 

Richd. Floyd's Bill for Wood for Kingston 2 19 

James Kirkwood's bill for Candles for do 212 

Wm. Stone's bill for Water for Ship Kingston 4 12 

Timothy Newell's Bill for Measures and Weights for do ... 2 14 

Samuel Barrett Bill for Baggs 5 8 

Portlidge Bill for Ship Kingston fr. Feby. 1st to 6th 11 18 4 

Wm. King's bill for Carting 4^ Cords Wood Jany. 27th ... 410 

Gibbins, Sharpe & Co. Bill for a stead to Slead the Water ... i 10 
Powers & Willis Advertizing for Men to serve as Guards on board 

Ship Kingston & Favorite, in Sept. last 18 

Joshua Davis's Acct. as Superintendent on bd. Kingston, ... 10 16 

John Georges's Acct. for Doctoring Prisoners 3 12 

Wm. King's bills for cording 4^ Cords Wood, this day .... 4 10 
Hire of Prison Ship Kingston from 27fh Aug., 1777 to 27th Jan. 

1778, 5 mo., at 213 J^^ Tonns 534 3 4 

Copy. ' ^1764 iSTTcrf . 

Sir : This is a copy of Mr. Pierpoint's acct., which have 
got from one of his Clarcks, after many Promises to Do 
all he could for me. I could not obtain it from him — I 
send you this for information — how it has been conducted 
here I shall say more at a proper season, I am, 
Dr. Sn, Your Hum. Servt., 

March 2, 1778. Jos. MeRSEREAU. 

Elias BouDiNOT, Esq., 

' The reader will observe that the amounts on each page are not added up, (as 
they are in the original,) but the total is given at the end. — Ed. 



88 HISTORICAL NOTES. 

Copy OK A Letter from David Franks, Esq., Commis- 
sary FOR THE English and Other Prisoners Capti- 
vated BY THE American Arms. 

To THE Hon. Board of War: 

Philadelphia, 6 June, 1777. 
Gentlemen: — Agreeable to your request, I herewith 
enclose you copies and extracts of letters received from 
the Commissary General, by order of His Excellency, 
General Howe, and at present provisions are issued by 
my directions, to the prisoners in Virginia, Maryland, 
and this State, which shall be continued; likewise to 
all who may be in the pay or service of Government, 
and deemed British prisoners, altho' many have been 
brought in, and no returns or demands made for pro- 
visions. It will therefore be necessary that orders 
shou'd be given for such returns in future, to be made 
to me, on their arrival, or to my deputies at Reading, 
Lancaster, Yorktown, and Carlisle, at which places they 
are in this State. In Virginia, to Colonel Richard 
Graham, (at Dumfries,) in Maryland; to Mr. Robert 
Cummins, at Baltimore. There are about 1500 rations 
^ day issued in this State, but do not know what is in 
Virginia or Maryland, &=!:**** 



Extract of Letters From Daniel Chamiers, Esq., 
His Britanic Majesty's Commissary General of 
Stores & Provisions. 

To D. Franks, Com. of Prisoners: 

Boston, 8 Feb., 1776. 
* * =•= "I have it in command from His Excellency, 
" the Honorable William Howe, Esq., Commander-in- 



HISTORICAL NOTES. 8^ 

'Chief of His Majesty's forces; that you continue to 
' victual his Majesty's 7th & 26th Regiments, the Royal 
' Artillery, Scotch Emigrants, and other of his Majesty's 
' troops who may be prisoners within the limits of 
'' your contract, at the usual allowances. You are to 
'victual them, at half a ration each for the former, and 
a quarter ration to the latter." 



New York, 25 February, 1777. 
* * * "It is the General's wish that you continue 
' to victual such of His Majesty's troops as are prisoners 
'with you, either in your province, the Jersies, or Mary- 
land, if possible, also the Canadians, wheresoever they 
' may be confined, as he considers them in the very light 
'they consider themselves as in His Majesty's service. 
'With respect to the back rations these gentlemen 
' claim, I cannot see the propriety of paying them for 
' them, if they have been victual'd by the Americans, 
' it will be charged to Government, as we bring a charge 
'against the Americans for victualling their prisoners." 



James Mease^ to Elias Boudinot. 

Dear Sir: 

Your favor of the 9th inst. from Middle Brooke 
duely received & should have sent you the articles therein 
required sooner but for the hurry & confusion occasioned 
by the enemys late movements. Inclosed you will 

> James Mease, M. D. — an eminent physician of Philadelphia, author of " Geological 
Account of United States;" "Picture of Philadelphia, 1811;" On William Penn's Treaty 
with the Indians," Svo., 1S36; "Utility of Public Loan Offices," &c., 8vo., 1836; 
"Descriptions of some of the Medals struck in North America," Svo., Philadelphia, 
1821 ; "Letter on the raising of Silkworms," 8vo., 1828; "Observations on the Bite 
of a Mad Dog, 1792," — died in Philadelphia, May 15th, 1846, aged seventy-five. 



90 HISTORICAL NOTES. 

receive invoice of sundry clothing forwarded to your 
care for the use of the four prisoners wh. I wish safe to 
your hands. As I expect Mr. Young will supply you 
with the shirts, & they being scare with me just now, have 
not sent any. Everything else agreeable to your desire 
is I believe in the four packages, agreeable to the invoice. 
I had not ready hats enough to send them all of a kind, 
but I do not think that of any great consequence, a round 
one being in my opinion full as useful as a cocked one. 
I am with great respect & esteem, 

Sir, your most obdt. Hble. Svt. 

James Me.\se. 

rhilada., June iS, 1777. 

EuAs BouDiNOT, Esq. 



Extract of a Letter from the Col. of Prince Wil- 
liam County in Virginia. 

Pray what does the Congress propose to do with the 
Hessian prisoners at Dumfries ? I think it a very im- 
proper place, provisions are dear & scarce, & if a ship of 
war was to come up Potomac, it would be impossible to 
prevent their escape. Some inland town would be safer 
& more convenient, I would recommend Winchester. 
The inhabitants are dissatisfied at their remaining in the 
neighborhood & the Comtee of this Count)' have applied 
to the Govr. & Council for their removal, besides tlie 
Comtee were not a proper body to have care of them, 
being dispersed thro' the County, and the spirit of 
Comtees in this State being patted, that Institution being 
about at an end, this being the only Comtee in Virginia, 
& will not be re-elected. The Govr. has put the four 
field officers under the Guard of the County Lieutenant. 



historical notes. 9i 

Joshua Mersereau to Ei.ias Boudinot. 

Harford, July 25th, 1//7. 
Dear Sir: — I herewith send you the return of prisnors 
in this State. The accts. Commissary Williams says will 
be ready when I return from Boston; I set out to-day. 
I wated on Govr. Trumbull, & he knows nothing of 
the barracks; I can't learn anything is done. His 
Excel'y. desir'd me to wate at Lebanon & take under 
my charge the Hon'l. Gen'l. Dreshot, which I did with 
great pleasure, and conducted him safe, with his aid, 
D. Cong, servant, and dog, (to East Winsor, at Capt. 
Grant's,) and left them under a guard of 9 men and 
a Leut. Expect 1 2 to-night. Leut. Barrington, his aid 
D. Cong, is desirous of being on parole, as it was his 
desire to be with the Genl.; I confin'd him in like man- 
ner, till I hear further from you or his Excellency, Genl. 
Washenton, respecting their particular bounds, limits, 
and manner of confinement; the Genl. desires to be 
indulg'd, to walk out a few rods in the day, with the 
officer of the guard; also to have leave for some wine 
and other necessaries, to be fetch'd from Shrewport, 
in case he should not be exchang'd soon. The Genl. 
speaks well of Col. Barton, both as to behaviour and 
treatment; says had the guard-boats done their duty, 
10,000 men could not have taken him. Its a grand 
enterprise ; could wish we had reason to think as favour- 
able of our Northern army. Pray, give me a scetch 
of the news, as nothing can be depended on here. Mr. 
Deen has letters from his brother by a packet from 
France; says a large fleet is ready; everything bares 
a good aspect, that he commits no polleticks to paper. 
As the express is gone on, I expect you have the particu- 
lars at camp. By a gentleman from N. York, says Genl. 



92 JIISTORICAL NOTES. 

Howe was at York. 1 5 Jany., and say it was expected 
they were going up the N. river, the ship that was cut 
down, and some gundolows were sent round, up the 
N. river, during die night; says our prisoners live 
poor, durty, and lowsy. Tlie sailers enter in the trans- 
port service, rather than be so confined ; they take many 

of our vessels, 200 are there now. Mr. Bell and 

taken by Miggs, were forage masters, and says they 
have orders to be exchang'd for any two under the 
degree of a Capt. ; I propos'd Mr. Bell. There is great 
neglect respecting the prisnors here; they are shifted 
from place to place, without giving notice to the officers, 
by which means they escape. Herring, from N. York, 
says, if he is permitted to go to York, on parole, he will 
send Mr. Bell in exchange. 

Inclos'd you have Mr. Deen's letter, and sample of 
sugar; you'l see he has reserv'd one hog'd. which is 
exceeding good. I think you had best propose to let 
him have two averige hog'ds, or one-sixth of the whole, 
and be at equal proportion of expense, as you can fix 
that matter with him, I shall wate your answer. There 
are 14 hog'ds; they ask ^10 for the same quality in 
other places ; rum is 30.y. lawfull. There is a prize-ship 
to the eastward with sugar, if it's sold soon, I will in- 
deavour to buy some. Direct to Col. Broom, respecting 
the sugar, &c., where I shall get it in my return. If any- 
thing particular is to be done in Massachusetts, order it 
to be sent on. I shall acquaint Col. Broom which road I 
shall return. I am. 

Dear Sir, Your Hum. Servt., 

JosiiLA Mersereau. 

P. S. My arm is better. If you send teams for sugar. 
let them fetch tlower. 

Col. Boi'DiNOT, Esq. 

(insTORIC.\L TAIFRS TO BE CONTINUFT>.) 




X t 




^,.,^i^ .^^uf<A^ J^^y-n^-' 



REMINISCENCES OF JOHN HOWARD^PAYNE. 



By Francis Harold Dufif.e. 



RECOLLECTIONS of John Howard Payne, the 
Actor, Dramatist, Poet, and Author of one of 
the most touching and heart-stirring Lyrics in the En- 
ghsh language, that of "Home, Sweet Home" presents 
themselves forcibly to the writer, who "knew him well," 
and was the last person to bid him farewell, as he de- 
parted from this city for New York, on his return 
mission to Tunis,* as United States Consul. 

Now, that a philanthropic gentleman, in the person of 
W. W. Corcoran,^ Esq., of Washington City, D, C, 

' A correspondent says : " Near Tunis, in a lonely spot, rarely visited, sleeps a 
wandering minstrel of our own times, whose one immortal song has been heard every- 
where the English language is spoken. Like the roving singers of lovely Provence, 
many times he had nothing but his harp. John Howard Payne was a gay Bohemian, 
extravagant in his taste, lavish in expenditure ; living much, too much, ' 'mid 
pleasures and palaces,' yet with a vein of sadness down deep in his heart. He died 
while holding the office of Consul, and a plain marble slab, sent out by the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, marks the grave of the homeless man, sixty years a 
wanderer on this earth, the author of 'Home, Sweet Home.' 

" CJne winter he was without money or credit, and in Ix)ndon had not where to lay 
his head. He tried to quiet the pain of hunger and homelessness by looking in at 
windows, and from the areas scenting good cheer. It was Christmas Eve, the snow 
fell fast, the wind was sharp and keen. At one luxurious house the hungry man 
stopped and watched the lighting of the Christmas tree. Its candles streamed 
brightly on the pavement, and among the evergreens he could see the red berries of 
holly, the toys and garlands and the pretty heads of children. They danced and 
clapped their hands while the presents were distributed, and the air rang with shouts, 
laughter and screams of delight. When the merriment had spent itself a little, one 
young girl went to the piano and struck up ' Sweet Home,' while the family joined in 
a rousing chorus. Was ever contrast so bitter? I have this from Mrs. Consul- 
General Heap. Payne told it to her long after those evil days were passed." 

* Mr. W. W. Corcoran's generous enterprise of bringing home to an American 
grave the exiled dust of John Howard Payne, recalls the aged philanthropist's remi- 
niscences of the poet. He saw him first in 1809, when Payne, called "The American 
Roscius," was playing in a Washington theatre. Mr. Corcoran, who was then a mere 
boy, says : " Whenever I could get twenty-five cents to pay for a seat, I went to see and 
hear the tragedian ;" and his memory of his appearance and action is now fresh and 

(93) 



94 REMINISCENCES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. 

eminent deservedly for his wealth, intelligence, and 
patronage of the fine arts, has most nobly and disinter- 
estedly offered and succeeded in bringing the remains of 
"the poor Wanderer" to his "Home" in America, it is 
a pleasant task and "labor of love," to offer a few, short 
reminiscences in relation to this truly distinguished 
eentleman, during our last brief interview, whilst he was 
sojourning in this city. 

Our first introduction to John Howard Payne, was 
through the kindness of a life-long, true, and faithful 
friend, and valued literary companion, Mr. James Rees, 
well-known to the public as a distinguished dramatic 
critic, (under the 7ioni de plume of CoUey Cibber,) and 
author of the Life of Edwin Forest, the tragedian, 
which unquestionably is the best written and the most 
interesting biography of that gentleman yet produced. 
Mr. Rees was an intimate friend of John Howard Payne, 
and had been the successful competitor for the Prize 
Address, spoken at the "Payne Festival," in New 
Orleans, some years since, which admirable production, 
led to a close intimacy and warm friendship between Mr. 
Rees and the honored recipient of this truly deserved 
and memorable testimonial tendered to him by his 
sincere, warm-hearted friends and admirers of that city. 

clear, after a lapse of seventy-three years. Two years later he saw him again, when 
Payne fled to Georgetown from Baltimore, where he had been trying to defend a 
printing office from a mob. In the year 1840 the personal acquaintance of the two 
began, and continued on very intimate terms until Payne went as United States Consul 
to Tunis and died there. Mr. Corcoran has selected the spot where the poet's 
remains are to rest. It is a triangular plot, near the eastern entrance of Oak Hill 
Cemetery, on the crest of a hill, overlooking the valley of Rock Creek. The place is 
marked by a solitary magnificent beech tree. The remains will be interred next spring 
with appropriate ceremonies, and a plain, massive monument erected above them, 
bearing only the inscription : 

John Howard Payne, 
Author of " Home, Sweet Home," 

Bom June 9, 1792 ; 

Died April 10, 1852. 



REMINISCENCES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. 95 

Mr. Payne's reputation, as an actor and author, was 
well-known all over the United States, and stood de- 
servedly high among literary men. He was always a 
great favorite in the city of New Orleans, and on the 
occasion of a visit there, was (as previously referred to) 
the recipient of one of the most elegant complimentary 
benefits ever tendered to any individual in the theatri- 
cal line. 

We merely refer to it as an evidence of the high ap- 
preciation of his talents, and enthusiastic admiration of 
the individual himself, who had contributed so much to 
the entertainment of the public by his superb dramatic 
genius in his well-known histrionic efforts as the 
youthful "American Roscius." He fairly startled the 
dramatic world by his transcendent talents as a juvenile 
actor, filling the role of Romeo, Hamlet, and other 
Shakesperian characters in the most efficient manner, 
and crowding the theatres with thronged and admiring 
audiences, composed of the elite of our various cities, 
who all with one accord, vied in paying him the deserved 
homage due to precocious and brilliant genius, such as had 
not dawned upon them for a lengthy period. 

He was, in fact, the idolized pet of all our fashionable 
and literary circles, who rivalled each other in paying 
him marked attention. His presence was esteemed an 
especial favor, being "the observed of all observers," 
and his deportment on these occasions, we learn, was 
quiet, dignified, and highly entertaining, owing to his 
conversational talent, the delight of everyone whom he 
interviewed, leaving a delightful impression on all who 
made his acquaintance. 

What we now desire to refer to,' more particularly 
after the preceding remarks, is the reminiscence of our 
last interview in this city. 



96 JfEM/N/SCENCES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. 

Mr. James Rees and myself called one afternoon upon 
Mr. Payne, at the American Hotel, kept at that period 
by Mr. Joseph M. Sanderson, at the corner of Hudson 
Alley and Chestnut Street, (being- now replaced by the First 
National Bank.) We found him in his room, engaged 
in looking over some letters, and with numerous MSS. 
strewn on the table, presenting quite a literary appear- 
ance. He arose quietly and received us in a very 
pleasant mood; particularly did he greet Mr. Rees, in the 
most kindly manner, as his old friend, whose acquaint- 
ance and friendship he appeared to value most highly. It 
was an agreeable meeting, and after the usual courtesies, 
we severally entered into a social conversation, which 
lasted until evening, when Mr. Rees took his departure. 
Mr. Payne requested me to remain, and in the evening, 
at my instance, we paid a visit to the Walnut Street 
Theatre, then under the management of Mr. E. A. 
Marshall. 

Mr. Payne and myself seated ourselves quietly in one 
of the back seats, as the theatre was fairly crowded, 
to witness the performance of our "Eminent Tragedian." 
In fact Mr. Payne did not recognize for the moment the 
tragedy that was then being performed, with Mr. Edwin 
Forest, as the hero, it proving to be his own thrilling 
play of "Brutus, or the Fall of Tarquin," the information 
being obtained by the loan of the play-bill, announcing 
it as the production of John Howard Payne, which reve- 
lation caused him to smile at his own seeming forget- 
fulness. 

Mr. Marshall, the manager of the theatre, learning 
that Mr. Payne was among the audience, (by my giving 
his name to the door-keeper upon our entrance,) sought 
out our box and requested me to see him in the lobby, 
in order to be introduced to the distinguished visitor. 



REMINISCENCES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. C)J 

I left my seat and Mr. Payne, for a few moments, 
to see Mr. Marshall, who earnestly solicited an intro- 
duction. It was only to oblige me personally that Mr. 
Payne would grant the favor, as he was exceedingly 
averse to publicity. Upon being introduced to Mr. 
Marshall, the manager, in the kindest manner, tendered 
Mr. Payne and myself the Procenium-box, but Mr. P. 
declined, however, all the courteous attention of Mr. 
Marshall, being anxious to avoid all public demonstra- 
tion on the part of the audience, who would doubtless 
have given him an enthusiastic reception and welcome. 

Mr. Payne was remarkable for his amiable and modest 
deportment toward those who enjoyed his familiar 
acquaintance, but to strangers he was shy and difficult 
of access. 

Upon declining the invitation, we shortly after left the 
theatre, (not returning even to our seats,) and proceeded 
at once to the hotel, where the residue of the evening 
was most delightfully spent in social conversation. 

On our way from the theatre, I casually mentioned to 
him the world-wide renown of his immortal ballad of 
''Home, Sweet Home," and what a truly enviable reputa- 
tion it had created for him as its author, remarking at 
the same time, that it was said of the Hon. Daniel 
Webster, that he would rather have been the author of 
" Gray's Elegy in a Country Church Yard" than his 
renown as a statesman and great orator. 

His reply to my complimentary remark, was in 
tones both pathetic, and in a measure, despondent: 
" My dear sir, that is all true, so far as fame is con- 
"cerned, but as for me, I have never known the 
" comforts of a home, having been all my life a wanderer 
"over the face of the earth; in fact an exile, as I have 
"said in my little ballad, both feelingly and truthfully.'" 



98 KEM/mSCJl^^CES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYXE. 

The origin of " Home, Sweet Home," as I had it from 
his own Ups, was occasioned by strolHng out one 
pleasant afternoon, while in Italy, and listening by the 
wayside to an Italian flower girl, singing the melody 
which pleased his ear, and after dotting down the notes 
in his memorandum book, he returned to his hotel, and 
in the course of the evening wrote the heart-appealing 
words of " Home, Sweet Home," adapting it to the air 
that he had just heard. Such was the true origin of this 
sweet ballad. Sir Henry Bishop, of London, subse- 
quently revised it, and gave it an unsurpassable "charm 
from the skies," as one of the most beautiful and thrill- 
ing melodies in the English lanuguage. 

The Opera of " Clari, or the Maid of Milan," (the 
Maid from whom the song was derived,) first introduced 
" Home, Sweet Home " to the public, and the ballad since 
then has become world-renowned, while the fame and 
memory of John Howard Payne have also been im- 
mortalized as one of America's most gifted sons in 
the lyric and histrionic line. 

All praise and honor be to W. W. Corcoran, Esq., for 
his truly commendable liberality and patriotic feelings in 
bringing /lome the remains of the ''poor wanderer" for 
sepulture in his native soil.^ 

*A correspondent of the Tribune, writing from Tunis, says: To-day the remains 
of the author of " Home, Sweet Home," left the shores of Tunis on board a French 
steamer, to be carried to Marseilles, whence they arc to be forwarded to America. 
Yesterday, at ten o'clock A. M., I went to the not unattractive and decidedly neat 
Protestant Cemetery of St. George, situated on high, wall-surrounded ground within 
the city. I was agreeably disappointed in the appearance of this God's Acre, as I 
had read in American newspapers that Payne's grave was a neglected one in a neg- 
lected burial-ground. On the contrary, the grounds were planted with flourishing 
and fragrant rose bushes, splendid clumps of heliotropes and hedges of brilliant car- 
nation pinks and geraniums, while the walks were clean and smooth, and the stones 
and monuments snowy-white in the morning sun. I should think the enclosure con- 
tained about an acre, and almost in the centre of it was the grave of Payne. At the 
head of the grave was standing a large and beautiful pepper tree, branches of which 



REMINISCENCES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. 99 

bent tenderly and droopingly over the tomb. This, the finest and noblest tree in the 
place, was planted by one of Payne's truest and best friends in Tunis — M. Chappellie 
— who was present at the death and interment of the poet. From M. Chappellie and 
also Mr. Reade, the British Consul, under whose directions the disinterment took 
place, I learned much of Payne's last days and sickness. The narrative of them is a 
painful one. Let it suffice if I write what I heard touchingly and heartily said by the 
two or three gentlemen present at the exhumation who had familiarly known Payne, 
that his character through disappointments, fancied loneliness and long brooding had 
become of a sad, soft, delicate melancholy that was, while gentle and pitiful, at the 
same time most winning and beautiful. His illness was a long and painful one, but 
he had most faithful and loving friends in M. Chappellie, M. Pisani, Mr. Reade, Mme. 
Chappellie (an American-born lady with an American heart) and a certain — now old 
— Arab dragoman, whose attachment to the poet was deep and sincere. I saw this 
honest man at the exhumation, wearing his Arab costume, believing in the Mahometan 
religion, but full of Christ-like humanity. The Europeans present at the grave on this 
sunny Friday morning were about a dozen in number, several Arab gentlemen being 
also on the ground in their rich and picturesque dress and turbans. 

The coffin was reached by the workmen at about 12 o'ciook, and was carefully 
lifted and placed on the broad marble slab which for thirty years had covered it, and 
which bears the following inscription : 

"E PLURIBUS UNUM. 
(Shield and eagle.) 

" In memory of Colonel John Howard Payne, twice Consul of the United States 
of America for the city and kingdom of Tunis, this stone is here placed by a grateful 
country. He died at the American Consulate in this city after a tedious illness, April 
1st, 1852. He was bom at the city of Boston, State of Massachusetts, June 8th, 1792, 
His fame as a poet and dramatist is well-known wherever the English language is 
spoken through his celebrated ballad of ' Home, Sweet Home,' and his popular 
tragedy of Brutus, and other similar productions." 

On the four edges of this slab is also carved : 

" Sure, when thy gentle spirit fled 

To realms beyond the azure dome. 
With arms outstretched, God's angel said, 
' Welcome to Heaven's Home, Sweet Home.' " 

The coffin was badly rotted in spite of the care taken by United States Consul 
Fish, who several months ago incased it in cement for its better preservation. A little 
thread-like root of the pepper-tree had made its way into the grave and coffin, and was 
about to cross the forehead. Some of our mother earth had got in the coffin and 
mingled with the bones. The whole skeleton was obtained and laid reverently in a 
new coffin, which was covered with lead, soldered and sealed. This was then placed 
in a neat, native hard-wood coffin, which was secured by locks and keys, all then 
being put in a strong, iron-bound, outside box which bore the address : " To U. S. 
Consul Taylor, Marseilles, France." 

At three o'clock in the afternoon the body was taken to the small and simple 
Protestant church and placed near the pretty little chancel window, on which are 
inscribed these words : 

" To the Memory of 

John Howard Payne, 

Author of ' Home, Sweet Home.' " 



LtffC. 



lOO REMIXISCEXCES OF JOHN HOWARD PAYNE. 

This window was made in England and placed here by a few English-speaking 
residents of Tunis, whose admiration and respect for Payne were decided and sincere. 
Indeed, I found among the poet's friends an affectionate regard that was akin to enthu- 
siasm. They grieved to lose the sacred bones that had lain here for thirty long years — 
the object of their love and ceaseless care. When the body was carried into the church, 
an English gentleman, at the little American-made organ, played the air, and a sweet- 
voiced American lady sang the immortal song of the dead poet, and as the tender 
words tremulously floated through and filled the holy place, hearts swelled, eyes were 
suflused, and "A charm from the skies seemed to hallow us there." 

Tongue cannot tell nor pen describe the effect of that song sung under the circum- 
stances I have stated. The gloaming of the coming evening had crept into the chapel 
and the " dim religious light" that Payne's poetic temperament could have understood 
and absorbed bathed all, both living and dead, in its mellow radiance. The twilight 
came on apace, and we left the poor remains lay there until the morrow, guarded by 
the faithful dragomen who in life, as in death, was staunch and faithful to the last. 

To-day the body was taken to the Marina and put aboard a boat and rowed down 
the bay and out into the open, where it was received by the French steamer, which 
soon after was on her way to Marseilles. Thus John Howard Payne left Tunis to be 
reburied in the land he loved, to sleep henceforth under the flag he served so well, not 
again, it is to be hoped, to be disturbed, but to lie dreamless and tranquil in the soil 
of his " home, sweet home." Visiting the cemetery to-day I found the marble slab 
replaced over the now empty tomb, the debris removed and all about the grave looking 
as neat as possible. Mr. Reade — whose admirable management of the exhumation 
and compliance with ever)' wish and instruction of the United States Government in 
the matter cannot be too highly commended — said to me : " We shall put back tlie 
slab with its inscription, adding thereto the fact and date of the removal of the body 
to the United States, and shall then religiously ])reserve and keep pure and clear the 
marble that we marked his grave with more than a quarter of a century ago ; but 
deeper, clearer than carved epitaph, we .shall cherish the memory of jwor Payne in 
our heart of hearts. 



The following is a literal transcript from a copy of 
"Home, Sweet, Home!" in the author's own manuscript 
in possession of the editor — it differs somewhat from the 
version generally printed: 

'Mid pleasures and palaces though we m'ay roam. 

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like Home! 

A charm from the sky seems to hallow us there. 

Which, seek through the world, it ne'er met with elsewhere! 

Home, Home! sweet, sweet Home! 
There's no place like Home! 
There's no place like Home! 

An exile from Home, splendor dazzles in vain ! — 
O, give me my lowly thatched cottage again ! 
— The birds singing gayly that came to my call — 
Give me them — and the peace of mind dearer than all ! 

Home, Home! sweet sweet Home! 
There's no place like Home! 
There's no place like Home ! 



COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 



Communicated by Walter Livingston Cochrane Biddle, with Notes kv 
M. C. Springer. 



IN 1730, John Biddle, whose father was the second 
Wilham of Mount Hope, left the family seat In New 
Jersey and came to Philadelphia. On the third of 
March, 1736, at Quaker Meeting, he married Sarah, the 
eldest daughter of Owen Owen, a wealthy farmer of 
Montgomery County, of the house of Owen, of Dol-y- 
serre, one of the most ancient of Wales. John Biddle, 
and Sarah his wife, had two sons and three daughters, 
namely: Owen,^ Clement, Ann, Sarah, and Lydia. 

Clement Biddle was born at his father's house, on 
the south side of Market Street, between Second and 
Third, May loth, 1740, N. S. His military life began 
when he joined a Quaker company, organized to protect 
the Conestoga Indians from the "Paxton Boys." This 
was in the winter of 1763-4. On the sixth of the follow- 
ing June, at the Arch Street Meeting, he received the 
hand of Mary Richardson, daughter of Francis Richard- 
son, of Chester, Pennsylvania. Their child, Francis, 

•Owen Biddle died March loth, 1799, aged sixty-one years. He was born in 
Philadelphia, and engaged in commercial business, in partnership with his brother, 
Clement Biddle. He signed the non-importation resolutions of October 25th, 1765. 
He was a member of the Committee of the City, Northern Liberties, and Southwark, 
in 1774, and of the Committee of Safety in 1775, the Council of Safety of 1776, and 
of the Constitutional Convention of 1776. During the Revolution he was one of the 
eighty Philadelphia merchants who became bound for certain provisions of the army, 
amounting to more than two hundred and sixty pounds sterling. He was an active 
member and officer of the American Philosophical Society and one of the members of 
the committee of that society which observed the transit of Venus, in connection with 
the Rev. Provost Smith, and David Rittenhouse, June 3d, 1769. Mr. Biddle's 
station, at the time, was at Cape Henlopen. He was a member of the Board of War 
in 1777. 

(loi) 



I02 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

died in infancy, and In 1773, Mr. Biddlc became a 
widower. 

Clement Biddle and his brother Owen, were signers of 
the "Non Importation Agreement," of November, 1765 
and the name of the former, as a partner with his father, 
appears in "The Pennsylvania Gazette," among the com- 
mercial advertisements in the year 1 7 — . 

On the 1 8th of August, 1774, Clement Biddle took for 
his second wife, Rebekah, only daughter and child of the 
Honorable Gideon Cornell, of Rhode Island, who, at the 
time of his death in 1 765, held the important posts of 
Lieutenant-Governor and Chief Justice of the Colony. 

After the Revoludonary War broke out, Mr. Biddle 
became an officer in a volunteer company of light in- 
fantry, known as the Quaker Blues; no discipline re- 
straining the more ardent young Friends from taking 
part in the contest. But he speedily abandoned this 
homely mode of warfare, and his name appears in the 
Journals of Congress, of the 8th of July, 1776, as being 
elected Deputy Quartermaster-General for the "Flying 
Camp," and for the militia of Pennsylvania and New 
Jersey, widi the rank of Colonel. 

On the 15th of the following October, General Greene, 
then at Amboy, appointed Colonel Biddle, a volunteer 
aid-de-camp. Through the latter part of that month, 
and during November, he was stationed with Greene at 
Camp Fort Lee, on the Hudson, and there began an in- 
timacy with the great general, which ripened into close 
friendship. At Trenton, Colonel Biddle was deputed by 
Washington to receive the swords surrendered by the 
Hessian officers. He and Mrs. Biddle were together in 
the camp of Valley Forge,^ and history relates his pres- 
ence the following winter, at Morristown. 

* At which time they were qu.irtcred at "Moore ILill," the mansion of William 
Moore, Esq., near to the camp. 



COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 



103 



In politics, Clement Biddle was an ardent constitution- 
alist, or supporter of the first Constitution of Pennsyl- 
vania, framed by the convention of 1776, to which his 
brother, Owen Biddle, had been a delegate. His senti- 
ments were so Republican, that he declined to become a 
member of the Society of the Cincinnati, although many 
of his acquaintance and family saw no good reason for 
abstaining. President Washington conferred the ap- 
pointment of Marshal of the Court of Admiralty of 
the State of Pennsylvania upon him, on November 10, 
1 780. He had, by the same authority prior to that, held 
the office of notary public, then an important one, and 
had in that capacity secured the confidence and respect 
of the commercial community, by his skill in the adjust- 
ments of marine losses, and the settlement of general 
averages. In the autumn of 1781, the Supreme Execu- 
tive Council of the State, appointed him Quartermaster- 
General of Pennsylvania Militia, with the rank of Colonel, 
as such he served in the campaign against the Whisky 
Insurrectionists in the western part of the State. His 
commission as one of the Justices of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, for the County of Philadelphia, bearing date 
September 23, 1788, is still in the possession of his 
family. Colonel Biddle died July 14th, 181 4. 

1. Clement Biddle m. First Mary, daughter of 
Francis (Richardson, (and had by her Francis R., who 
died November 3d, 1765, aged three weeks). Second, 
Rebekah Cornell, sole heiress of the Honorable Gideon 
Cornell, of Rhode Island, August i8th, 1774, she d. 
Nov. 1 8th, 1831, and had issue: 

I. Francis, b. May 20th, 1775; d. June i6th, 1775. 
(2.) 2. Thomas, b. June 4th, 1776; d. June 3d, 1857. 

3. George Washington, b. Feb. 21st, 1779, d. at 
Macao, Aug. i6th, 181 2. 

3A 



I04 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

(3.) 4. Mary, b. Jan. T2th, 1781; d. March 13th, 1850. 
(4.) 5. Rebekah Cornell, b. Nov. 7th, 1782; d. Sept. 

2d, 1870. 
(5.) 6. Clement Cornell, b. Octo. 24th, 1784; d. Aug. 

2ist, 1855. 

7. Anne, b. Dec. 24th, 1785; d. July 21st, 1786. 

8. Lydia H., b. May 12th, 1787, d. March, 5th, 1826. 

9. Sarah T., b. Oct. 21st, 1789, d. Aug. nth, 

1805. 
(6.) 10. Anne Wilkinson, b. June 12th, 1791; d. 1878. 
(7.) II. John Gideon, b. June loth, 1793; d. Aug. 30th, 

1826. 
(8.) 12. James Cornell, b. Dec. 29th, 1795, d. Aug. 

30th, 1838. 

13. Edward Robert, b. February 7th, 1798; d. . 

2. Thomas Biddle (2.) m. Christine, dau. of Gen. 

Jonathan Williams^ February 12th, 1806. Their 
children were: 

14. Clement, b. Sept. 14th, 1810; d. 1879. 
(9.) 15. Thomas Alexander, b. Aug. 22d, 1814. 

(10.) 16. Henry Jonathan, b. May i6th, 181 7, d. July 

30th, 1862. 
(11.) 17. Alexander, b. April 29th, 18 19. 

' General Jonathan Williams was a son of Jonathan, a Revolutionary patriot, and 
was bom at Boston, Massachusetts, 1752. After receiving a good education, he was 
placed in a counting-house, and made several commercial voyages to the West Indies 
and to Europe. In 1770 and 1773, he visited England and was intrusted with 
important political letters and communications, by his grand-uncle. Dr. Franklin, b^ 
whom he was very kindly received. In 1777 he was appointed United States 
commercial agent, and visited France, where he remained until 17S5, when he returned 
with Dr. Franklin to the United States. He was Judge of the Court of Common 
)*leas, in Philadelphia, for several years. February i6th, 1801, he was appointed 
Major of Artillery; December 4th, iSoi, was inspector of fortifications, and Superin- 
tendent of West Point Academy; July 8th, 1802, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers; 
Colonel, 23d of Febru.iry, 1808; on the 31st July, 1812, was made General of New 
York Militia; in 1814, was elected to Congress from Philadelphia; was Vice-President 
of the American Philosophical Society; author of "A Memoir on the use of tlie 
Thermometer in Navigation, in 1799;" "Elements of Fortification, (translated,) 
1801;" and "Kosciusko's Movements for Horse Artillery, i8o8." 



COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 1 05 

>(12.) 18. Jonathan Williams, b. Aug. 12th, 1821; d. April 
2 1 St, 1856. 

3. Mary Biddle (4.) m. General Thomas CadwaU 
■ader, June 25th, 1804. Their children were : 

(13.) 19. John, b. April ist, 1805, d. Jan. 26th, 1879. 
<14.) 20. George, b. May i6th, 1806, d. Feb. 30th, 1879. 

21. Thomas, b. Aug. 27th, 1808, d. Jan. 19th, 

1844. 

22. Henry, b. Jan. 21st, 18 17, d. July 2d, 1844. 

23. William, b. Oct. 2d, 1820, d. Oct. 15th, 1875. 
General Thomas Cadwalader was the eldest son of 

■General John Cadwalader and Williamina Bond, b. Oct. 
^9th, 1779, d. Oct. 31st, 1841. 

4. Rebecca Cornell Biddle (5.) m. (Professor J^a= 
thaniel Chapman,^ M. D., Sept. ist, 1808, and had issue: 
(15.) 24. Emily, b. Aug. 25th, 18 10, d. July 20th, 1852. 
(16.) 25. John Biddle, b. June 3d, 18 11; d. . 

(17.) 26. George William, b. Dec. loth, 181 6, d. 

27. Marie, b. , d. . 

28. Rebecca, b. , d. . 



5. Clement Cornell Biddle (6.) m. Mary Searle, 
dau. of the Honorable John (Barclay and Mary Searle, 
his second wife. Their issue : 
(18.) 29. John Barclay, b. Jan. 3d, 18 15, d. Jan. 19th, 1879. 

• Nathaniel Chapman, M. D., was bom on the 28th of May, 1780, near Alexandria, 

Va., and died in Philadelphia, on the ist day of July, 1853. (His paternal ancestor 
came to Virginia with the first colonists, he was a Captain in the army and a relative 
of Sir Walter Raleigh.) He finished his studies at London and Edinburgh where he 
took his degree, and began practice in Philadelphia in 1S04. He was Professor of 
Materia Medica in 1813-16, and of practice, institutes, and Clinical Med. — in the 
University of Pennsylvania, from 1816 to 1850. In 1817, he founded the Medical 
Institute, in which for 25 years he lectured during the summer months. The City 
Hospital was under his charge during the epidemic of 1820, and was many years 
Clinical lecturer in the hospital of the City Almshouse. He was the author of " Lec- 
tures of the Theory and Practice of Medicine;" "Eruptive Fevers;" "Elements of 
Therapeutics and Materia Medica." In 1817, "Select Speeches with Critical and 
Illustrative Remarks." He was a contributor under the name of "Falkland," to the 
Portfolio, and was editor of the Philadelphia 'Journal of tht Medical and Physical 
Sciences. 



106 COLOA'EL CLEMENT BWDLE. 

(19.) 30. George Washington, b. Jan. iith, 1818. 

(20.) 31. Chapman, b. Jan. 2 2d, 1822, d. Dec. 9th, 1880- 

Col. Clement Cornell Biddle was the organizer and 
first Captain of the State Fencibles, and commanded the 
First Regiment of Volunteer Light Infantry in the war 
of 181 2. He was tlie principal founder, and for many 
years President of the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society; 
also, Director and President of the Franklin Fire Insur- 
ance Company. 

The Hon. John Barclay was Mayor of Phila. in 1791. 
He came from Ballyshannon, in Ireland, in 1767, and 
died in Phila., Aug. 8, 1816. 

6. Ann Wilkinson Biddle (10.) m. Thomas (Dun- 
lap, June 2d, 1822. Their children were: 

32. Sally Biddle, b. Mar. 19th, 1823, d. Feb. nth, 

1883. 
12,- Juliana, b. Oct. 19th, 1824. 

34. Lydia Biddle, b. Sept. ist, 1826, d. May 8, 1828. 

35. Mary, b. Dec. ist, 1827, d. Nov. 9, 1846. 

36. Rebecca Biddle, b. Mar. loth, 1829. 

l"]. Nannie, b. Nov. 21st, 1830, m. George Mecum 
Conarroe, Esq., Feb. 4th, 1868. 
(21.) 38. Thomas, b. Aug. 23d, 1832. 

7. John Gideon Biddle (n.) m. Mary, eldest dau. 
of the Hon. Charles (Biddle, Vice-President of the Su- 
preme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Aug. 2 2d^ 
1820, and had issue : 

39. Ann Eliza, b. 1822. 

8. James Cornell Biddle (12.) m. Sarah Caldwell, 
second dau. of the Honorable Michael Keppele, Mar. 9th, 
1825. Their children were : 

(22.) 40. Thomas, b. Jan. 2d, 1827, d. at Guayaquil, 
May 7th, 1875. 



COLONEL CLEMENT BWDLE. 1 07 

(23.) 41. Caldwell Keppele, b. Jan. 2 2d, 1829, d. Feb. 
25th, 1862. 

42. Catharine Keppele, b. Feb. ist, 1831, m. Wil- 

liam P. Tatham, of Phila., June 20th, 1867. 

43. Rebecca, b. May 22d, 1833, d. Mar. ist, 1859. 
(24.) 44. James Cornell, b. Oct. 3d, 1835. 

45. Cadwalader, b. Oct. 28th, 1837. 

9. Thomas Alexander Biddle (15.) m. Julia, dau. 
■o{ John Cox, Esq., July ist, 1845. Their children were: 

46. John Cox, b. April 21st, 1846, d. Jan. 19th, 

1865. 
(25.) 47. Henry Williams, b. Apr. 7th, 1848. 

48. Anna Sitgreaves, b. Jan. 31st, 1850, m. Andrew 

Alexander Blair, of New York, 1872. 

49. Alfred, b. Dec. 15th, 1852. 

50. William Lyman, b. Oct. 8th, 1854. 

51. Francis, b. Oct. 31st, 1856. 
<26.) 52. Julia, b. May i6th, 1858. 

53. Frances, b. Mar. — , 1862, d. Mar., 1862. 

10. Henry Jonathan Biddle (16.) m. Mary Qe- 
borah, dau. of Samuel (Baird, June ist, 1854, and had 
issue: 

54. Jonathan Williams, b. Aug. ist, 1855, d. Sept. 

30th, 1877. 

55. Lydia McFunn, b. Apr. 9th, 1857, m. Moncure 

Robinson, Jun., of Phila., Apr. 2 2d, 1880. 

56. Spencer Fullerton Baird, b. Jan. 12th, 1859. 

57. Christine Williams, b. Aug. 28th, i860. 

58. Henry Jonathan, b. May 14th, 1862. 

Col. Henry Jonathan Biddle, Adjutant-General of the 
Penn. Reserve, was wounded at the battle of New 
Market Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862, and died in con- 
sequence thereof, July 30th, 1862. 



I08 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

11. Alexander Biddle (17.) m. Julia Williams,. 
dau. of Dr. Samuel (Rush, Oct. nth, 1855. Children: 
(27.) 59. Alexander Williams, b. July 4th, 1856. 

60. Henry Rush, b. March 15th, 1858, d. Jan. 2d^ 

1877. 

61. Julia Rush, b. July 25th, 1859. 

62. James Wilmer, b. Nov. 2 2d, 1861. 

63. Louis Alexander, b. March 12th, 1863. 

64. Mariamne, b. Nov. 8th, 1856. 

65. Lynford, b. Aug. 26th, 1871. 

12. Jonathan Williams Biddle (18) m. Emily, dau. 
of (Dr. Charles ©. Meigs,^ Apr. i6th, 1846. Their 
children were: 

(28.) 66. Christine, b. Feb. 14th, 1847. 

67. Charles Meigs, b. Jan. loth, 1849. 

68. Williams, b. July i6th, 1850. 

69. Mary, b. Dec. 7th, 185 1. 

70. Thomas, b. July 7th, 1853. 

71. Emily Williams, b. Mar. 15th 1855. 

13. John Cadwalader^ (19.) m. twice; first, Mary,, 
dau. of the Hon. Horace (Binney,^ of Philadelphia, Oct.. 
— , 1828. Their children were: 

(29.) 72. Mary Binney, b. Sept. 22d, 1829, d. May 26th^ 
1861. 
73. Elizabeth Binney, b. Sept. 22d, 1831, m. Geo. 
Harrison Hare, of the U. S. N., d. . 

' Charles Delucena Meigs, M. D., was bom in Ga., Feb. 17th, 1792. Settled in 
Philadelphia in 1820, where he made obstetrics and diseases of women and children 
a speciality. He was a Prof, in Jefferson Med. College, from 1840 to 1862. Author 
of "Midwifery," 1838; "Lectures on the Female," 1847; " Remarks on Spasmodic 
Cholera," 1848; " Ob.stetrics," 1S49; "Diseases of Children," 1S50; and many 
other valuable medical works. 

" Hon. John Cadwalader was born at No. 172 (old number) Chestnut street, 
Philadelphia. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in- 



COLONEL CLEMENT BLDDLE. 109 

13. John Cadwalader (19.) m. for his second wife, 
Mrs. Henrietta Maria Mcllvaine, dau. of Chas. JV. 
(Bancker, Esq., 1833, and had issue: 

74. Sarah Bancker, b. , 1834. 

75. Frances, b. , 1835. 

76. Thomas, b. , 1837, d. Aug. 1841. 

77. Charles E., b. Nov. 5th, 1839. 
(30.) 78. Anne, b. , 1841. 

(31.) 79. John, b. June 27th, 1843. 

80. George, b. , 1845. 

14. George Cadwalader* (20.) m. Frances, dau. of 
(Dr. James Mease^ of Philadelphia, and had issue: 

81. Frances, b. . 

the Department of Arts. He entered the office of Horace Binney, Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to the Philadelphia bar September 30th, 1825. In 1855 he was elected a 
member of Congress, where he served one term. Upon the death of the Hon. John K. 
Kane, Mr. Cadwalader was appointed to fill the vacancy in the United States District 
Court, and held the office until his death, January 26th, 1879. 

'Horace Binney, L.L. D., was bom Jan. 4th, 1780. (His father was Dr. Barna- 
bas Binney, a Surgeon in the Revolutionary Army.) He attained high distinction 
as a lawyer in Philadelphia, having been admitted to the bar in 1800. In 1806-7, 
he was a Member of the Pennsylvania Legislature ; was an opponent of the adminis- 
tration of President Andrew Jackson. He was an early and active Anti-Slavery man, 
and in 1833-5, a leading Member of Congress. He was a director in the U. S. Bank 
for many years, and one of the Trustees in winding up its affairs. He defended the 
City of Philadelphia against the heirs of Stephen Girard. Compiler of " Reports of Sup. 
Ct. of Pa., 1799-1814," 6 Vols., 1809-15; " Eulogiums on Chief Justices Tilghman and 
Marshall, 1827 and 1836." He died in Philadelphia on the 12th day of Aug., 1875, 
at the age of ninety-five. 

* George Cadwalader, Major General of Volunteers, studied and practiced law in 
Philadelphia, and, on the breaking-out of the Mexican War, was appointed Brigadier- 
General, March 3d, 1847. He distinguished himself at El Molino, and was breveted 
Major-General for gallant services at Chapultepec. On the breaking out of the Rebel- 
lion in 1861, he was appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, Major-General of 
State Volunteers ; was second in command in the force which moved on Winchester, 
under General Patterson, in June. He was appointed Major-General of Volunteers, 
April 25th, 1862; was one of the commission to revise the military laws and regu- 
lations. His "Services in the Mexican Campaign of 1847," was published in Phila- 
delphia, 1848. 

' See note, page 89. 



no COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

15. Emily Chapman (24.) m. John Montgomery 
Gordon, of Virginia, Esq., Nov. 21st, 1833. Their 
children were: 

82. Chapman, b. Aug. 2cl, 1834, d. May 19th, 

1846. 

83. John Montgomery, b. Aug. loth, 1836, d. Aug. 

nth, 1836. 

84. Susan Fitzhugh, b. Jan. 17th, 183S, d. July 28th, 

1858. 

85. Emily Chapman, b. Apr. 20th, 1840, d. Oct. 

19th, 1844. 
(32.) 86. Rebecca Chapman, b. Sept. 3d, 1842. 

16. John Biddle Chapman (25.) m. Mary, dau. of 
(Randolph, of Va. Their children were: 

(33.) 2,7. Gabriella, b. . 



88. Emily, b. , m. Prince Joseph Pignatelli 

d'Aragon. 

17. George William Chapman (26.) m. Emily, dau. 
of John Markoe, of Philadelphia, June 6th, 1838. 
Their children: 

(34.) 89. Mary Randolph, b. May 2 2d, 1839. 
(35.) 90. Elizabeth Camac, b. April 19th, 1842. 

91. Henry Cadwalader, b. Aug. 17th, 1845, ^- Han- 
nah Megargee, of Philadelphia, Dec. 3d, 
1876. 
(36.) 92. Rebecca, b. Dec. 20th, 1848. 

93. George, b. July 5th, 1852. 

18. John Barclay Biddle (29.) m. Caroline, dau. of 
William (Phillips, of Philadelphia, Nov, 7th, 1850. Their 
children : 

94. Anna Clifford, b. Sept. 17th, 185 1 ; m. Clement 

Stocker Phillips, of Phila., Nov. 15th, 1881. 
(37.) 95. Harriet, b. Aug. 8th, 1852. 



COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. I I 1 

96. William Phillips, b. Dec. 17th, 1853. 

97. Clement, b. Dec. nth, 1854. 

<38.) 98. Elizabeth Rebecca, b. Dec. 9th, 1856. 
99. Caroline, b. Mar. i6th, i860. 
Dr. John Barclay Biddle was Dean of the Faculty, and 
Professor of Materia Medica of Jefferson College; he 
was visiting physician to the Girard College, and one of 
the inspectors, and the Visiting Physician of the Philadel- 
phia County Prison and the Deaf and Dumb Asylum. 

19. George Washington Biddle (30.) m. Maria, 
dau. of William McMurtrie, of Burlington, N. J. Their 
children : 

(39.) 100. George, b. Aug. 21st, 1843. 

(40.) loi. Algernon Sydney, b. Oct. nth, 1847. 

102. Arthur, b. Sept. 23d, 1852, m. Julia (Biddle, 

(52). (See Family No. 26.) 

20. Chapman Biddle (31.) m. Mary Livingston, 
•dau. of Capt. Walter Livingston Cochran^ of New 
York, Aug. 14th, 1849. Their children : 

103. Mary Cochrane, b. June i6th, 1850. 

104. Clement Cornell, b. Sept. 5th, 1851, d. April, 

1873. 

' Walter Livingston Cochran, the youngest son of Dr. John Cochran, of Cochran- 
ville, Chester County, Penna., Surgeon-General of the Revolutionary Army, and 
Gertrude Schuyler, widow of Peter Schuyler, and sister to Maj.-Gen. Philip Schuyler, 
was bom April 27th, 1 77 1. He took his degree of B. A. at Columbia College, 
New York City, and was a class-mate of John Randolph, of Roanoke. His elder 
brother, the Hon. James Cochran, afterwards a representative from New York in 
the Sixth Congress, was also educated at the same time at Columbia College. 
In 1793, the yellow fever year, Walter L. Cochran commanded at Fort Mifflin, at 
that time holding a commission as Captain in the United States Army. He married 
in 181 2, Cornelia Wyntje .Smith, eldest daughter of Judge Peter Smith, of Peter- 
boro', Smithfield, Madison County, N. Y., and sister to the Hon. Peter Sken Smith, 
and the Hon. Gerrit Smith, of Peterboro'. Captain Cochran died in New York 
City, August 1 2th, 1857, leaving to survive him his children, the Hon. John Cochrane, 
James W. Cochrane, Mrs. Ellen Walter, Mrs. Mary L. C. Biddle, Mrs. Cornelia 
Smith Barclay, and Mrs. Katharine Schuyler Kemeys. 



112 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

105. Walter Livingston Cochrane, b. Aug, 21st, 
1853, m. Pauline Davis, dau. of Robert Car- 
ter, of Va., late Surgeon in U. S. N., June 
ist, 1881. 
Col. Chapman (Biddle raised the 121st regiment Pa. 
Vols., and in command of the Brigade of which it formed 
part, served during a portion of the War of the Rebel- 
lion. His regiment and brigade were cut to pieces at the 
battle of Gettysburg and their commander wounded. 
Col. Biddle held a high position at the Philadelphia Bar 
as a lawyer. He was General Counsel of the Penn. R. 
R. Co. 

21. Thomas Dunlap^ (38.) m. Margaret A. Levis, of 
New Haven, Conn., July loth, 1856. Children: 

Nannie Biddle, b. June 19th, 1862, d. May 4th, 

1873- 

22. Thomas Biddle (40.) m. Sarah Fredrica, dau. 
of William White, Esq., of Philadelphia, Nov. 7th, 1861. 
Their children were : 

107. Caldwell Keppele, b. at Rio Janeiro, Jan. 3d, 1863. 

108. Harrison White, b. at Washington, D. C, May 

1 6th, 1864. 

'Thomas Dunlap was born in Philadelphia, August loth, 1793. He passed 
through his collegiate course at Yale College, New Haven, returning to study law in 
his native city, where he was admitted to the bar, and practiced for many years, 
giving his attention chiefly to some of the practical departments of Commercial Law, 
for which his thorough familiarity with the French and Spanish languages eminently 
frtted him. For the same reason (his knowledge of the Spanish language) he was re- 
peatedly called to fill the position of "Acting Spanish Consul," during the absence of 
the Consul, or vacancy of the Consulate. He took a lively and active interest in Public- 
Education, devoting many years of laborious service to the cause. He was for seven- 
teen years, President of the " Board of Controllers of Public Schools," and on retiring, 
received valuable testimony to the importance of his exertions on their behalf; he was 
also President of the St. Andrew's Society. In the year of 1837, he was elected 
Cashier of the Bank of the United States, Nicholas Biddle being President at the 
time. At Mr. Biddle's resignation, Mr. Dunlap was elected President, which office 
he held for several years, when he resigned, returned to the bar, and resumed his 
practice until his death, July nth, 1S64. 



COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. II3 

109. Sarah White, b. at Germantown, Pa., Jan. 9th, 

1867. 
no. James Cornell, b. at Germantown, Pa., July 3d, 

1868. 

111. Elizabeth Caldwell, b. at St. Augustine, Jan. 

28th, 1870. 
The Hon. Thomas (Biddle devoted himself principally 
to the Diplomatic and Consular service of the United. 
States. He was at one time Minister to Ecuador. 

23. Caldwell Keppele Biddle (41.) m. Elizabeth 
fRicketts, widow of (Robert Meade April 28th, 1857, and 
had issue : 

112. MariaPalmer,b. Mar. 26th, 1 858, d. Feb. 5th, 1859. 

24. James Cornell Biddle (44.) m. Gertrude Gouv- 
erneur, dau. of the Hon. William Morris Meredith, 
Dec. 27th, 1862. Their children : 

113. Catherine Meredith, b, Oct. i6th, 1865, 

114, Sarah Caldwell, b, Nov, 20th, 1866. 

25. Henry Williams Biddle (47.) m. Jessie (Duncan, 
dau. of Rear Admiral Thom,as Turner,^ U. S. N., Feb. 
25th, 1873. Their children : 

115. Mildred Lee, b. Jan. 8th, 1874. 

116. Juliette, b. Jan. 9th, 1876. 

26. Julia Biddle (52.) m. Arthur (Biddle, Esq., (see 
consecutive No. 102,) son of the Hon. George Washington 
(Biddle, Nov. i8th 1880. Their children: 

117. Edith Francis, b. Oct. 8th, 1881. 

118. Julia Cox, b. Dec. i6th, 1882, d. same day. 

27. Alexander Williams Biddle (59.) m. Anne dau. 
of the Hon. William McKennan, Judge U. S. C. C, June 
19th, 1879. Children : 

119. Pauline, b. Aug. 7th, 1880. 



114 COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

1 20. Christine, b. Oct. 20th, 1882. 

28. Christine Biddle (66.) m. (Richard, McCall Cad- 
walader, Esq., Nov. 26th, 1873. Children: 

121. Thomas, b. Dec. 21st, 1874. 

122. Williams Biddle, b. July 9th, 1876. 

123. Richard McCall, b. Nov. 7th, 1877. 

124. Gouverneur, b. Feb. 3d, 1880. 

125. Lambert, b. Oct. nth, 1882. 

29. Mary Binney Cad walader (72.) m. William 

Henry (Rawle, Esq., Sept. 13th, 1849. Children: 
(41) 126. Mary Cadwalader, b. Dec. 12th, 1850. 

127. William, b. Sept. 3d, 1855, d. Apr. 25th, 

i860. 

128. Edith, b. Apr. 29th, 1861. 
Mary (Binney CRawle d. May 26th, 1861. 

30. Anne Cadwalader (78.) m. (Rev. Henry J. fRow- 
land. Children : 

129. John Cadwalader, b. Feb. loth, 1879. 

31. John Cadwalader (79.) m. Mary Helen, third 
dau. and child of Joshua Francis Fisher, Esq., April 
17th, 1866. Their children : 

130. Sophia, b. Feb. 6th, 1867. 

131. Mary Helen, b. Mar. 19th, 1S71. 

132. John, b. Feb. 24th, 1874. 

Mrs. Mary Helen Fisher Cadwalader was b. July 
1st, 1844. 

' Rear- Admiral Thomas Turner, U. S. N., born in Virginia, April 2ist, 1808; 
Midshipman in 1825; Lieutenant, 1835; Commander, 1855; Captain, 1S62; 
Commodore, 1863; Rear-Admiral, 1868; retired, 1870; \v.is actively engaged in the 
Mexican War, and was present at Tuspau, April 7th, 1 847 ; commanded the Sloop-of War 
" Saratoga," and captured two Spanish steamers in the harbor of Auton Leyardo, 
Mexico, March 6th, i860; commanded the Frigate "New Ironsides," in the attack on 
the forts in Charleston Harbor, April 7th, 1863, handling his ship with judgment and 
ability; commanded South P.-icitic Squadron, 1869-70. 



COLONEL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 



115 



32. Rebecca Chapman Gordon (86.) m. Eugene 
(Blackford, of Lynchburg, Va., June 27th, 1867. Children : 

133. Emily Chapman, b. Sept. 12th, 1868. 

134. Eugene, b. Sept. 17th, 1871. 

135. William Gordon, b. July 28th, 1874. 

33. Gabriella Chapman (87.) m. Luis de (Potesdad, 
Marquis de Potesdad Fornari, Nov. — , 1853. Children : 

136. Luis Emilio, b. . 

137. Emily Mildred, b. . 



138. Emanuel Henry, b. 

139. John Henry, b. 

140: Robert Lee, b. 

141. Maria Gabriella, b. ■ 



143. Julie Francoise Eugenie, b. . 

Luis de Potesdad first Marquis de Potesdad Fornari, 
was the son of Luis de (Potesdad 3t.r\d Mildred Lee, dau. 
of (Bernard Moore Carter, of Virginia. 

34. Mary Randolph Chapman (89.) m. John (Bor= 
land Thayer, of Philadelphia, Esq., Oct. 13th, 1859. 
Children : 

143. George Chapman, b. Sept. 2 2d, i860. 

144. John Borland, b April 21st, 1862. 

145. Mary Borland, b. July 8th, 1864. 

146. Sydney, b. July 7th, 1867. 

147. Henry Chapman, b. Dec. 31st, 1872. 

148. Walter, b. April 27th, 1874. 

35. Elizabeth Camac Chapman (90.) m. William 
(Davis Winsor, of Boston, Mass., June loth, 1862. 
Children : 

149. Emily Chapman, b. Apr. 4th, 1863. 

150. Louise Brooks, b. Aug. 12th, 1868. 



Il6 COLO. \ EL CLEMENT BIDDLE. 

36. Rebecca Chapman (92.) m. James (Davis Win- 
sor, of Boston, Mass., May 30th, 1872. Children: 

151. Mary, b. Mar. 28th, 1873. 

152. Henry, b. Mar. 29th, 1875. 

153. James Davis, b. Sept. 6th, 1876. 

154. Rebecca, b. June 12th, 1879. 

155. Ellen, b. Nov. 30, 1882. 

37. Harriet Biddle (95.) m. de Grasse Fox, of Phila- 
delphia, Oct. iith, 1876, and had issue: 

156. Sylvia de Grasse, b. Sept. 29th, 1879. 

38. Elizabeth Rebecca Biddle (98.) m. Samuel M. 
Miller, M. D., Dec. 9th, 1877. Children: 

157. Charlotte Barclay, b. Sept. 8th, 1878. 

158. Marion Spencer, b. Sept. 9th, 1880; d. Feb. 

28th, 1881. 

159. John Biddle, b. Feb. — , 1882, d. April 3d, 1882. 

39. George Biddle (100.) m. Mary Hosack, dau. of 
(Dr. J. Kearny (Rodgers, of New York. Children : 

160. Dorothea Pendleton, b. , d. . 

161. Eleanor Kearney, b. May 2d, 1879. 

162. Constance Elizabeth, b. Sept. 4th, 1882. 

40. Algernon Sydney Biddle ( i o i .) m. Frances, dau. 
oi Moncure (Robinson, of Philadelphia, June 28th, 1879. 

163. Child, male, b. 27th October, 1882. 

41. Mary Cadwalader Rawle (126.) m. Frederic 
(Rhinelander Jones, of New York, Mar. 22d, 1870, 
and had issue: 

164. Beatrice Cadwalader, b. . 



WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. 



With Introduction and Notes by Cjiarles Henry Hart. 



THE following extremely interesting letter, covering six 
closely-written quarto pages, forms one of the 
treasures of the remarkable and valuable collection of 
manuscripts and autographs, belonging to Mr. Ferdinand 
J. Dreer, of Philadelphia, through whose courtesy it is now 
printed for the first time. The portrait which illustrates 
the letter, is from a very rare print by Leney, after a 
painting by Chamberlain, also in the possession of Mr. 
Dreer. 

William Strahan, the writer of the letter, was an emi- 
nent printer; eminent indeed in every public and private 
station where he was placed. Born in Scotland, in April, 
1 71 5, he received the education which every lad of decent 
rank then received in a country where the avenues to 
learning were easy and open to men of moderate circum- 
stances. His father had a small appointment in the 
customs and wisely brought his son up to the composing- 
stick, rather than the uncertainties due to patronage. 
He served his apprenticeship in Edinburgh, and then 
went to London, where his capacity, diligence and probity, 
raised him to prominence. In 1770, he purchased of Mr. 
Eyre, a share of the patent for King's printer. Besides 
the profits arising from this appointment, as well as from 
a very extensive private business, he engaged largely in 
the purchase of copyrights from some of the most noted 
authors of his day. He was long the intimate and 
familiar friend of Doctor Johnson, and acted for years as 
his private banker. Johnson, who was well-known for his 
parsimony, would constantly get Strahan to frank his 
letters, saying, "When I write to Scotland, I employ 

("7) 



I I 8 WILLIAM STRAIIAN TO DA VID HALL. 

Strahan to frank my letters, that he may have the conse- 
quences of appearing a parliament man among his 
countrymen." And when Johnson was ambitious for a 
seat in the Commons, it was his printer friend who most 
strenously supported him and urged his fitness. 

Mr. Strahan was elected a Member of Parliament, in 
1775, as the colleague of Charles James Fox, for the 
borough of Malmsbury, in Wiltshire, and he was re- 
turned to the succeeding parliament for Wotton Basset, 
in the same county. He was a steady supporter of that 
party who were turned out of administration in the 
spring of 1784, and lost his seat in the House of Com- 
mons, by the dissolution of parliament with which that 
change was followed. Letter-writing was one of his 
favorite occupations, and among his friends and corre- 
spondents were men of much consideration. One of 
these, as is familiar to most readers, was Dr. Franklin, 
with whom a correspondence began as early as 1744. 
When Franklin was in London twelve years later, the 
correspondents met at the house of their common friend, 
Peter Collinson, and the epistolary acquaintance soon 
ripened into a firm friendship, which they each continued to 
enjoy through life, notwithstanding the difference of their 
sentiments in political matters. Strahan importuned 
PVanklin to settle in London, and sought the hand of 
Franklin's only daughter for his eldest son. Sparks prints a 
long letter from Strahan to Deborah Franklin upon this 
subject. In 1 769, he propounded certain queries to Frank- 
lin, respecting the discontents of the Americans. These 
queries were published in the London Chronicle, of July 
28, 1778, and may be found, together with Franklin's 
reply, in the fourth volume of The Works of Franklin, 
edited by Sparks. 

It was to Strahan that Franklin wrote the famous letter 
of "July 5, 1775:" "You are a member of Parliament, 



WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. I 19 

and one of the Majority which has doomed my Country 
to Destruction. You have begun to burn our Towns 
and Murder our People. Look upon your Hands ! They 
are stained with the Blood of your Relations ! You and 
I were long Friends. You are now my Enemy and I am 
yours B. Franklin." This letter has generally been 
regarded as a serious matter, which meant just what it 
said and separated the two friends. But it seems to have 
been nothing more than a "ghastly joke," as is shown 
by the subsequent relations of the two men and the 
friendly correspondence which continued until Strahan's 
death. As late as February, 1784, Strahan wrote to 
Franklin, urging him to revisit England. 

William Strahan died July 9th, 1785, in his seventy- 
first year. In 1774, he had been master of the Stationer's 
Company, and by his will he bequeathed to it /'looo, the 
interest to be divided in annuides among infirm old 
printers. His wife, who was a daughter of the Rev. 
William Elphinston, of Edinburgh, and sister of the 
James Elphinston, who for many years was head of a 
celebrated school at Kensington, near London, survived 
her husband not quite a month. She died August 7th, 
1785. They had five children; two daughters, the wives 
respectively of Mr. John Spottswoode and Mr. Andrew 
Johnston, and three sons ; William Strahan, Jr., the suitor 
for Miss Franklin, who died, April, 1781, in his father's 
lifetime ; Rev. Dr, George Strahan, of University College, 
Oxford, Prebendary of Rochester, Rector of Cranham, in 
Essex, and Vicar of St. Mary's Islington, and Andrew 
Strahan, M. P. for Newport, Isle of Wight, who succeeded 
his father as one of the joint Patentees as Printer to his 
Majesty. 

David Hall, to whom the letter printed is addressed, 
was a journeyman with Mr. Strahan, who sent him over 
to Franklin, in the ship Mercury, Capt. Hargrave, in the 

4A 



I20 WILLIAM STKAIIA.V TO DAVID HALL. 

spring of 1744. When Franklin was journeyman at 
Watts' printing house, near Lincohi's Inn Fields, after 
he left Palmer's, his first place on his arrival in England, 
David Hall was a fellow-workman. This was almost a 
score of years before his arrival in Philadelphia. In the 
fall of 1748, Franklin being desirous of devoting more of 
his time to scientific pursuits, and less to the printing 
office, entered into a partnership with Hall, to continue 
eighteen years, during which time Hall had entire charge 
of the business, paying Franklin ^1000 a year for die 
eighteen years, at the expiration of which period he was to 
become sole owner. Hall conducted the Pennsylvania 
Gazette, which had been virtually started by Franklin, 
with prudence and ability, and in 1766, when his con- 
nexion with Franklin was dissolved, entered into partner- 
ship with William Sellers, a young bookseller from 
London, and the firm continued Hall and Sellers, until 
the death of the senior partner, December 17th, 1772, 
aged fiftj'-elght. Mr. Hall was a native of Edinburgh, 
and was married after coming to this countr)', at Christ 
Church, January 7th, 174S, to Mar}' Lacock. She died 
June 7th, 1 781, in her sixty-first year. Mr. Hall was suc- 
ceeded in his business by his sons, William (b. Jan'y 20th, 
1752, d. Dec. loth, 1834,) and David (b. November 4th, 
1755, d. May 27th, 1821.) David Hall was a member of 
the American Philosophical Societ)' by election March 
8th, 1768. It is understood that the Pennsylvania His- 
torical Society possesses a number of letters from Strahan 
to Hall, which it proposes to publish in the Pennsylvania 
Magazine of Histor)' and Biography. 



London, April 7th, 1770. 
Dear Davie: — My last to you was dated Mar. 19th, 
by Capt. Sparks by whom I sent to the amount of 
;^433, 18, II, which I hope will reach you safe. Besides 



WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. 12 1 

several Articles out of print or reprinting, and the slates, 
which the Captain would not take on board, and which 
were not charged, there were omitted some of the Prayer 
books which were charged, and which shall be forwarded 
with the next order. 

I am since favoured with yours of the 6th and 20th of 
February by the Packett, inclosing a bill on Mr. Minoch 
for ;^25i 8, I, which he refuses acceptance of, (as he 
says) for want of advice. So I have noted it, and shall 
keep it till it becomes due, and if not then paid, as I sup- 
pose it will not, (for he gave no hopes of his then paying 
it,) I shall protest, and return it to you. I hope you have 
altered your Book to mine, and settled the Balance, as I 
did, on the 5th of July, which was ^962 4, 5. All mis- 
takes up to that date being rectified in my letter of that 
day. When the above mentioned bill is either paid, or 
returned, I shall send you a farther state of our account 
current, to prevent confusion. I believe I did not before 
■mention that the bill of £^\o on Messrs. Caldwell and 
Co. was duly paid. 

What you say in regard to the sale of bibles and 
prayer books, with you, and the low prices of those which 
have any considerable vent in America, I suspected to be 
the case. However, when I have got anything ready for 
the markett that I imagine may suit you, I will send you 
a few (and, as you desire, only a few,) for a trial. The 
truth is, as the two Universities here have the privilege 
of printing bibles, &c., as well as the King's Printer, and 
as they now, more than ever avail themselves of that 
privilege, I have little dependence upon that branch of 
the patent. The Acts of Parliament, speeches, addresses, 
and other public papers, which nobody else can meddle 
with, are what I chiefly rely on, and are profitable 
.articles, being punctually paid for by the government. 
And yet I shall certainly attempt several schemes in the 



122 WILLIAM STRAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. 

bible way, as I have as good a chance for a sale here as 
the Universities; but still three shops, instead of one, 
make a vast difference in a species of business, where 
the prices are so low, and the profits depends solely 
upon the large consumption. 

I shall probably write you again in a few days by Mr. 
Curtis Brett, who worked with me for some months before 
you left me. I know not if I ever before mentioned him 
to you, but he tells me he wrote to you himself some 
years ago from Jamaica, where he went to settle, about 
the year 1750. He hath since, by trade in that place, 
cleared about ^10,000, with which he came home last 
year, intending to setde in England. He has a wife and 
one child, and is not likely to have more; and nothing 
very tempting offering to him here, he hath taken the 
resolution to settle for the rest of his life in your 
neighbourhood, thinking, perhaps very justly, that with 
such a capital he is more likely to procure an eligible 
and permanent settlement for his child, than is now to 
be had in Britain, where land sells at an enormous price, 
and where the expense of living is greatly enhanced. If 
you can do him any service, by your advise or otherwise, 
you will greatly oblige me; for he is an honest and 
worthy man, whom, upon farther acquaintance, you must 
greatly esteem and value. It will be particularly in your 
power to prevent him from making bad connections, with 
you, a matter of no little importance to a well meanifig 
and inoffensive character, such as he is. For farther 
particulars regarding his views and intentions, I refer you 
to himself I most heardly recommend him to your 
acquaintance, and doubt not you will be fast friends as 
long as you live. 

Mr. Coombe,^ whom you recommended so warmly to 

1 Thomas Coombe, son of Thomas and Sarah [Rutter] Coombe, was bom in 
Philadelphia, on the I2th of October, 1747, o. s., and baptized in Christ Church on 
the 5th of November following. He was graduated at the College and Academy of 



WILLIAM STRAHAM TO DAVID HALL. I 23 

me some time ago, more than answers the good character 
you gave him. I see him often, and he is much esteemed 
here; — so much, that I have little doubt of his soon 
acquiring such a settlement as may prevent his return to 
America. Indeed, that he should have an eye to settling 
here, was my opinion at his first coming over; and I am 
pleased to find that by his general good behaviour, as well 
as by his superior merit as a preacher, he is daily acquir- 
ing so many friends, as to render my early advice to him 
very salutary. 

What you order in your last letter shall be forwarded as 
-soon as possible, together with the articles of the last order, 
which could not then be had, and are now reprinted. 

As for politicks, I have not much to add since my last. 
You see what has been done by the Parliament, respecting 
the Remonstrance of the Livery of London, which turned 
out just as I expected. The singularity of the case 
called for a much severer censure. However, the matter 
has had this very good effect, that it has discovered the 
secret designs of the turbulent party, and opened the 
•eyes of the country gentlemen in the House of Com- 

Philadelphia, in 1766 ; " and having decided to enter the ministry, after some prepara- 
tory study under Provost William Smith, went to England in the spring of 1768, for 
the purpose of being admitted to holy orders." He remained in England about four 
years, attaining great popularity as a preacher. He returned to Philadelphia early in 
1772, and immediately formed a connexion with the United Churches of Christ 
•Church and St. Peters, where he was for some time the colleague of William W'hite, 
afterwards Bishop White, as assistant minister of the parish. On May 13th, 1773, he 
was married to Miss Sarah Badger. Mr. Coombe was a pronounced loyalist, and was 
one of those disaffected persons imprisoned in the Mason's Lodge. He was released 
•early in the summer of 1778, on condition of "abjuring his allegiance to the crown, 
•or leaving the country." He preferred the latter course, and sailed from New York, 
for England, in July, leaving his wife and child in Philadelphia. Before sailing he 
became acquainted with the Earl of Carlisle, one of the notorious Peace Commissioners, 
and upon that nobleman's return to England, Dr. Coombe was made his private 
<:haplain. In 1794 he was appointed one of the chaplains in ordinary to the king. 
He was an eloquent and impressive preacher, and held several important church 
preferments. He died in London August 15, 1822, leaving to survive him one son, 
!the Rev. John R. Coombe, by his first wife, he having subsequently married an English 
lady, by whom he had several children. 



124 WILLIAM STRAHAN TO DAVID HALL. 

mons, and indeed all over the kingdom, who had joined 
the opposition upon the usual grounds, never dreaming 
that things would be carried such outrageous lengths. 
So that the party (notwithstanding the remonstrance 
voted by a parcel of Ragamuffins, in Westminster Hall,, 
assuming the name of the Inhabitants of Westminster, 
and another from a meeting equally respectable, at Mile 
End, of the Middlesex Freeholders,) is now dwindling 
fast to nothing and all is, at present, very quiet. What 
bustle may be occasioned by Wilkes' Enlargement the 
1 8th instant, (if his debts are really paid, and he regains 
his liberty that day,) I will not pretend to say. But I 
have, in my own mind, no apprehensions from that 
quarter. The faction have, in all appearance done their 
worst, and are now at bay, not knowing which way \.o 
turn themselves. 

The Ministry', tho' they have by no means answered 
the reasonable expectations of the sober part of the 
publick, and have on many occasions shewn marks of 
timidity, irresolution and want of concert among them- 
selves, will yet, as far as I can see, or have been able tcx 
discover, are likely enough to hold their ground, till some- 
extraordinary event, (such as a foreign war, or a domestic 
insurrection,) of which there is at present not the least 
apprehension. Lord Chatham is still endeavouring to 
raise a ferment, but hitherto without success, or any pros- 
pect of success. He, indeed, told the House the other 
ilay, that after the holidays he should make a motion to 
bring in a bill to set aside those infamous resolutions of 
the Commons, respecting the Middlesex election. But 
this will avail nothing. The session is near a conclusion ; 
people are quite tired of the subject and many of the most 
respectable members of both Houses are gone or going 
to their country seats; so that you need not expect to 
hear of anything very remarkable till their next meeting. 



WILLIAM STKAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. I 25 

I told you in my last that all the American duties would 
be repealed, that on tea excepted ; which I can now (with 
certainty, I think,) assure you will not be taken 
off at all, at least this year. I find the Ministry, 
from the best information, are clearly of the opinion 
that the Americans must and will submit. And 
one of them told me the other day, that had it 
not been for the hasty promise (so he called it) 
made them last year, by Lord Hillsborough, the other 
duties would not have been repealed. The truth is, 
whatever appearance things have with you the exports 
from this country to America in general are not at all, or 
but very little diminished; at least, not so far as to be any- 
where, or among any species of manufacturers, sensibly 
felt. Had that been the case, in this petitioning and 
remonstrating age, we should have had shoals of com- 
plaints to Parliament from all quarters. Instead of that, 
you see, want of trade is never once mentioned among 
the lists of our grievances and apprehensions in those 
indecent applications to the King.* It seems, and indeed 
the thing speaks for itself, that tho' the exports to 
Boston, New York, and Philadelphia have been consider- 
ably diminished during this contest, those to Rhode 
Island, Quebec, and other places, have proportionally in- 
creased, and that the goods there imported find their way 
to the other provinces by the back setdements, or by 
some means or other. Of the truth and practicability of 
this, you are a better judge than I can be. But to me, 
I must own, the silence of all our manufacturers, is demon- 
stration itself, that my fears expressed in my letter of 

* You see plainly by this {though it is a circumstance not /it to be put into your 
newspaper), that you are more obliged to my letter of last April, which occasioned 
that promise, than to all other applications on your behalf put together. I wish it had 
had the full effect I intended it should, and then this matter had not now been the 
suhject of litigation between us, as it is now likely to be for some time longer. The 
more the pity. 



126 WILLIAM STRAHAX TO DAVID HALL. 

last year above mentioned, were by no means so well 
founded as I then thought they were. It is not easy, I 
well know, for people to reason cooly, when matters of 
great moment, in which they are deeply interested, are 
agitated. But for my own part, I think I have all along 
considered the affair with the utmost impartiality'; 
and I am still of the same mind I was in, when I told you, 
in a former letter, that I thought neither party sJiould 
stand out upon trifles and punctilio s. Whatever, there- 
fore, your other friends and correspondents may advise, 
I am strongly of opinion, that as the affair is now circum- 
stanced, the best way for you to act, is to acquiesce in 
this same tea duty, which, laying aside the principle of 
the tax, is not worth mentioning, and to trust, with some 
degree of confidence, in the justice and wisdom of the Par- 
liament for future relief from that, and other more con- 
siderable obstructions, under which several branches of 
your trade now labours. It cannot be, I must insist upon 
it, it cannot be but that they will, in due time, grant you 
every indulgence that is proper, or that you could wish 
for. It is their interest, it is their duty so to do ; tho' a 
variety of accidents and circumstances may now prevent 
them from fully entering into and discussing your par- 
ticular concerns. Look round, I pray you, upon your 
various wants which cannot be supplied from own inter- 
nal resources, and consider if you can really subsist and 
thrive without the protection and manufactures of Great 
Britain. For my part, I would always have America 
considered, both by themselves and by us, as a part, or 
as so many different counties of England — at least, as 
far as it is practicable so to consider it. Nor do I see 
anything in the principle of tliis tax, (so much dreaded and 
detested in your side of the water,) repugnant to this idea. 
I am sensible that what I have just now advanced, 
differs widely from the opinion of our worthy friend, Dr. 



WILLIAM STRAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. 12J 

Franklin. As I most highly esteem him, I am sorry for 
it. And the disparity' of our judgements and means of 
information is sufficiently obvious. But may I not be al- 
lowed to suppose that his warm and strenuous attach- 
ment to his native country, and to his friends there, hath 
in some degree, byassed his sound and perfect and 
manly understanding, upon which, on other occasions, 
I could securely depend. Nay, I will venture to tell you 
(for I always speak my mind to you, as I have done in 
political matters to some of the greatest names here,) 
that I really think him rather too partial to you, and per- 
haps too much hurt (tho' not altogether without cause,) 
with the behaviour of the Mother Country to her children. 
Having said this much, I will now leave it to time to de- 
termine which of us is in the right. It will be no wonder, 
and I shall myself be heartily glad, if I am found to have 
been mistaken. 

I must now conclude. If anything new occurs before 
Mr. Brett sails, who goes by New York next week, I 
shall write it by him. Alderman Treco thick ^ intends mak- 
ing a motion in the House next Monday for the repeal 

' Barlow Trecothick, Esquire, Alderman of the City of London, was, on May 
13, 1763, appointed joint attorney with Dr. William Smith, to receive and pay over 
the funds contributed throughout the United Kingdom, for the benefit of the College 
Academy and Charitable School of Philadelphia, and the College of New York, now 
respectively the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia College. In 1766, he was 
unanimously chosen Sheriff of London. In June, 1770, he was elected Lord Mayor, for 
the remainder of the year, in the place of the Rt. Hon. William Beckford, deceased. He 
was president of the Committee of Merchants, appointed to manage the American 
affairs, a member of Parliament, and until his death a friend of the colonies. He 
died, after two years lingering illness, at his seat, Addington, near Croyden, in Surrey, 
according to one account May 28th, and another June 2d, 1775. He married, for his 
first wife, an American lady, Grizell, sister of the Rev. East Apthorp and daughter of 
Charles Apthorp, a prominent merchant of Boston. She died July 31st, 1769, and 
he married, secondly, June 9th, 1770, a daughter of Sir William Meredith, who sur- 
vived him and subsequently became the wife of .A.shton Curzen, M. P. There is in 
the church at Addington, an inscribed tablet to the memory of Alderman Trecothick 
and a monument to his first wife. His seat, in Surrey, was bought for an Archepis- 
copal residence by the Primate of all England in July, 1808, from his nephew, James 
Trecothick, Esq., to whom it had descended. 



128 WILLIAM STKAIIAN TO DAVID HALL. 

of the tea duty ; but I believe by their rules it cannot be 
again resumed this session. 

I am ver)' sorry your honest woman still continues poorly. 
My wife and family are all pretty well just now, and join me 
in kind remembrance of you and yours. I see Mr. Wharton^ 
and Major Trent'- frequently, who are both sensible good 
sort of men. Dr. Fr.^ is pure well, as I suppose he writes his 
friends by this packett. I am, with wonted esteem and regard, 
Dear Davie, 
Your affectionate friend and sevt.. 

Will: Strahan. 

1 Samuel Wharton, second son of Joseph and Hannah [Carpenter] Wharton, was 
born in Philadelphia, M.iy 3d, 1732. He married Sarah, daughter of Stephen and 
Rebecca [Hussey] Lewis. He was one of the signers of the famous Non-importa- 
tion Resolutions of 1765, a member of the Committee of Safety, of the City Councils 
of Philadelphia, and of the Colonial and State Legislatures. He was a partner in 
the house of Baynton, Wharton & Morgan, and lost by Indian depredations at one 
time upw.irds of ;f40,ooo. As compensation for this loss the Indians conveyed to 
the tirm all the lands at [iresent comprised within the Slate of Indiana. To obtain a 
confirmation of this grant he visited England, being interested also in the C)hio com- 
pany, projected by Sir William Johnson, Governor William Franklin, and others, and 
arrived there late in 1767. Here he rem.iined many years in the interest of these two 
projects, only returning to this country in 1780, when forced to flee from England on 
account of the discovery of some of his letters to Franklin, furthering the revolution. 
He took the oath of allegiance to Pennsylvania, February 9th, 1 781, and was a 
member of the Continental Congress during the years 1782 .ind 1783. He died 
early in the year 1800, his will being admitted to probate M.irch 26th of that year. 

* William Trent was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., wliere he was born about 
the year 1715. His father was a prominent man in early colonial days and was the 
founder of Trenton, in New Jersey. In 1746, Governor Thomas appointed Trent 
captain of a company raised for an intended expedition .igainst Canada. In 1749, he 
was appointed by Governor Hamilton, a justice of the Court of Common Pleas for 
Cumberland County, Pa. In 1750, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, 
George Croghan, to engage in the Indian trade. In 1755, Robert Hunter Morris, 
Governor of Pennsylvania, appointed him a member of the I^oprietary and Governor's 
counsel. In 1759 he entered the service of Sir William Johnson, the King's Indiai» 
Agent, in America. Like Mr. Wh.irton he lost largely by the Indian depredations; 
his trading house, near Fort Pitt, having been plundered and destroyed. Through the 
influence of Sir Willi.am Johnson, the Indians, in 1768, were induced to m-ike a deed of 
land to Trent m payment of his claim, and for the purpose of having this grant con- 
firmed he went to England. After this all trace of him is lost, e.xccpt that he was at 
the treaty at Fort Pitt, July 6, 1776. A journal, kept by him in 1752, was published 
in Cincinnati, in 1871. 

' Doctor Franklin. 



MATERIALS FOR AMERICAN ANTE-REVO 
LUTIONARY HISTORY, 

AS IT IS TO BE FOUND IN THE MAGAZINES OF THE TIMES. 
FROM 1731. 



Compiled by Henry Phillips, Jr. 



Gentlemen's Magazine. 



January 2d, ijji. 



Geo. Barri.ngton, Esqr., Governor of North Carolina, set out to Em- 
bark FOR HIS Government. 



Witchcraft. 

FROM Burlington in Pensilvania, 'tis advised; that 
the owners of several cattle, believing them to be 
bewitch' d, caused several men and women to be taken 
up and Trials to be made for detecting 'em. Above 300 
people assembled near the Governor's house, and a pair 
of scales being erected, the suspected persons were each 
weighed against a large bible; but all of them vastly out- 
weighing it, the accused were then to be tied head and 
foot together and put into a river on supposition that if 
they swam they must be guilty. And this they offered 
to undergo in case their accusers should be served in 
like manner, which being done, they all swam very buoy- 
ant and cleared the account. 



February. Rise of the Colony in Georgia. 

A true account of a new colony about to be estab- 
lished in America, by several noblemen, gentlemen and 
merchants. 

They petitioned the King in council for a grant of 
lands in South Carolina, and liberty to lay out charities 
as they themselves should give or receive from others, in 
(129J 



I30 



AMERICAN ANTE-REVOLUTIOXARY HISTORY. 



carrying over and establishing unfortunate families in 
America; and that the charity collected may not deter- 
mine in the persons first relieved, but may extend itself 
to the latest ages ; they propose to reserve a certain pro- 
portion of land in every township, and a certain small 
proportion of labor from every man within that township 
upon such land, and to apply the produce of the reserved 
land and labour on the supporting of the colony, in send- 
ing over and relieving more poor families. 

His Majesty graciously received their petition, referred 
it to a committee of council, who approved of it and 
referred it to the consideration of the Commissioners 
for Trade and Plantations. The petitioners undertake, 
without any benefit to themselves, all the toil of soliciting 
charities, of cloathing supplying, arming establishing, and 
supporting a colony of such persons as they may judge 
to be most proper objects of charity. 

The clerks of the council generously refused their fees 
for the patents passing of their office. 

The secretary' of the board for trade and plantations, 
in the same handsome manner, refused the acknowledg- 
ments offered by the petitioners. 

His Majesty hath been graciously pleased to order the 
Attorney-General to prepare a charter to incorporate the 
petitioners who intend to establish colonies in the manner 
of the old fRomans, viz., in liberty and propert)'. 

Amongst other precautions to prevent future imposi- 
tions, they have desired that they and their successors 
may be obliged, by their charter, to lay an annual account 
of all monies or effects by them received or e.xpended for 
carrying on their said charitable design before the Lord 
Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, 
the Master of the Rolls, the Lord Chief Justice of the 
Common Pleas, and the Lord Chief Baron of the 
Exchequer. (See Vol. II, p. 825, 894, Sec.) 



AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR V HISTOR Y. 131 

April igth. — British Sugar Colonies ix America. 

The dispute between our Northern and Southern 
colonies in America, is a matter of great importance to 
this kingdom, * * * (Published the importance of 
the sugar colonies to Great (Britain, stated &c., 6d. 



May. Plantation Affairs. 

From JJew England 'tis advised that Governor (Bel- 
cher, having convoked a new general assembly, ac- 
quainted them with his Majesty's commands of settling a 
salary upon this Governor, and represented the danger- 
ous consequences of their refusal and of his return to 
Great (Britain might produce. 

But notwithstanding the Governor's utmost endeavors 
to persuade them into a compliance, they have positively 
refused it. 

Substance of the First Speech of Robert Johnson, 
Esq., Governor of S. Carolina, to the Council 
and Assembly, on the 6th of January, 1731, 

That, as the King had appointed him Governor of that 
province, he did not doubt but they would cheerfully con- 
cur with his Majesty's council in concerting measures for 
the support of his Government and the good of the 
province, which was capable of being one of the most 
considerable on the main land. 

That His Majesty, at their request, and at a great 
expense, had purchased %ths of the late Ld. Proprietor's 
charter, whereby they were come under his immediate 
government, and whereby they enjoy'd safety in trade, 
protection at sea by his ships of war, at land by an Inde- 
pendant Company of Foot. 

Assures them that his own interest among them, is the 
least motive to do all in his power to further the pros- 
perity of a province in which he had spent so great a 
part of his life. 



I 3 2 AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIOKAR Y IIISTOR Y. 

Enjoyns them to put in execution tlie laws against 
immorality and impiety, and recommends them to pro- 
mote and encourage the publick schools, particularly that 
near Charles Town. 

Tells them the ruinous condition of Charles Town, 
Johnson's Fort, and others required immediate repair. 

Acquaints them with the treaty which his Majesty had 
ordered the Lords of Trade to settle with the Indians, 
whom he had brought safe back with a considerable 
present. 

Lastly, that His Majesty had instructed him to encour- 
age useful manufactures, and that the Parliament had 
already given a discount upon hemp. 

To which (speech) they returned very dutiful and loyal 
answers, and there is a perfect harmony betwixt him and 
them, the Assembly having fixed a salary on him agree- 
able to his desire, and* done everything that was asked, 
being greatly pleased with the change from a dependency 
on the late Proprietors to His Majesty. 

They have also transmitted a very loyal address to His 
Majesty, acknowledge his bounty in remitting their 
arrears for quit rent, and his goodness in continuing 
them bills of credit, for enlarging their trade, &c. 
September ajth. 

About 130 felons convicts went from J^ewgate and 
were put on board to be transported to America. 
(December. 

From J<Iew England, Governor (Belcher had received 
permission to accept from the Assembly, the sum of 
^5400 that currency (above ^1800 sterling) agree- 
able to what they offered him for his support to 
May next; but this concession is not to be made a 
precedent. 
January, 1732. 

Col. Cosby, late Governor of the Leward Islands, 



AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR V HISTOR V. I 3 3 

appointed Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of 
New York and New Jersey. 

From (Philadelphia, that some (Palatines, who had 
shipp'd themselves in a (Dutch ship at (Rotterdam for this 
place, had suffered incredible hardships from the master 
and sailors who deprived them of the wine, allowed them 
no bread, only a pint of grots for five persons per day. 
Their hunger was at length so grievous, that i8d. was 
given for a rat, and 6d. for a mouse, and sometimes 
could get no water for several days successively, but at 
^d. a quart. Seven persons died of hunger and thirst in 
one night, and were thrown naked in the sea without 
anything to sink 'em. Of one hundred and fifty passen- 
gers who went on board at (Rotterdam, above loo were 
starved to death. 
May. 

Col. Phipps, a native of J^ew England, appointed 
Lieut.-Gov., of the province of the Massachusetts (Bay, 
in the room of William Tailer, Esqr., deceased. 
June. 

'Twas advised from Maryland, that a great number of 
planters there had destroyed 70 tobacco plantations, and 
were resolved not to leave a plant of tobacco standing in 
the country, saying, that it was not worth sending to 
England, whereupon the Governor had assembled the 
militia to stop 'em. 

Trustees appointed for establishing the new colony in 
Georgia : 

Ld. Vise. Percival, Lord Carpenter, Edward Digby, 
Esqr., James Oglethorpe, Esqr., Robert More, Esq., Wm. 
Sloper, Esqr., George Heathcote, Esqr., Robert Hucks, 
Esqr., Francis Eyles, Esqr., Thos. Towers, Esqr., Rogers 
Holland, Esqr., John Laroche, Esqr., James Vernon, Esqr., 
Wm. Belitha, Esqr., Stephen Hales, M. A., John Burton, 



I 34 AMERICAN AXTE-RE VOL VTIONAR Y IIISTOR Y. 

B. D., Rd. Bundy, A. M., Arthur Bedford, A. M., Sam'l 
Smidi, A. M., Adam Anderson, Gent., Thos. Coram, Gent. 
June 2d. 

(Benedict Leonard Calvert, Esq., brother to the Lord 
(Baltimore, proprietor of Maryland, late Governor of that 
province, died in his passage to England. 

It is reported from South Carolina, that the English, 
lately driven from the Bay of Campeche by the Spaniards, 
had brought plants of the logwood tree to cultivate there, 
the soil and climate being fit for it; that they had already 
five plantations of olive trees; were in great hopes of 
raising also vines of the growth of Champagne and <Bur- 
gundy, some thousand Palatines being on their voyage 
thither for that end. 
July 2oth. 

The Trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia 
met, when the Lord Viscount (Percival produced a certifi- 
cate from the Ld. Ch. Baron of the Exchequer, that he 
had qualified himself as President, by taking the proper 
Oaths. His Lordship then administered an Oath to the 
several Trustees present, who order'd a common Seal to 
be made, with the following device. On one Side two 
Figures of Rivers resting upon Urns, representing the 
Jllamataba and Savannah, the Boundaries of Georgia, 
and between them the Genius of the Colony, seated, with 
the Cap of Liberty upon her head^ a Spear in one Hand, 
and a Cornucopia in the other, with this Motto, Colonia 
Georgia Aug. The Reverse, is to be Silk-Worms at 
Work, with this Motto, J^on sibi sed aliis. The Leader, 
Minister, and others of the Congregation of Szviss Protes- 
tants, who are going to establish a Town upon the River 
Savannah, attended the Trustees, who ord'd a Library of 
Books to be given the Minister, for him and his Suc- 
cessors, and a handsome Sum of Money, to subsist 'em 
on their Voyage and their first Arrival. 

(to be continued.) 




HON . DAA^ID >It)N TAG V K RS KTNE . 
obUJ/mrA /9^/SSJ. 




HON. THOMAS EllSKlXE, 
b. Jaii^I^lTJO. d,Xor. /Zf* 1823. 



LORD ERSKINE' TO ROBERT WALSH* 



From the Original in the Collection of R. Coulton Davis, Esq. 
With Annotations by the Editor. 



London, Jan. 29th, 181 1. 

^(^^ Dear Sir : — I was sorry to hear 

// from our worthy friend, Mr. Pinkney, 

yesterday that you had settled in 
America, I had hoped (tho' I knew 
that you intended to employ your 
talents at the bar in your own 
country, that you would frequently 
have visited ours, drawn towards us 
by the reputation which your writings 
and your manners had so justly 
acquired amongst us), but I learned 
from an American gentleman, who 
dined at Mr. Pinkney's, that you had relinquished the 
practical pursuit of the profession of the law and were 




Erskine Coat of .-Krms. 



'Lord Thomas Erskine was one of the most celebrated of modem forensic ora- 
tors, he was the third son of the Earl of Buchan, and was born in Scotland, January 
2 1st, 1750. After having received a good education at Edinburgh high school and 
St. Andrew's University he went to sea as a midshipman, under Sir John Lindsay. 
His early fondness for the sea, however, soon evaporated, and, in 1768, he entered 
the army as an ensign of the first regiment of foot. With this regiment, after having 
married, he went to Minorca, where he resided for three years. The scanty pittance 

lA (135) 



136 LORD ERSKINE TO ROBERT WALSH. 

devoting yourself to literary pursuits, a course un- 
doubtedly more fitted for your various talents than the 
mere practice of the law, and particularly in America 
divided into various states. 



of the rank which he held being but ill calculated to support a family, he was per- 
suaded by his mother to turn his talents to the law ; and accordingly in his twenty- 
sixth year, he commenced his legal studies. Butler and Wood, both of whom 
became judges, were his instructors. In 1778 he was called to the bar, and he was 
instantly successful. In 1806 he was ai)pointed Lord High Chancellor of Great 
Britain and raised to the peerage as Baron Erskine of Restormel Castle ; which 
position he occupied but one year, when he retired with the usual pension. In 1770, 
he married Frances, eldest daughter of Daniel Moore, who was sixth child of John 
Moore, first King's Collector of the port of Philadelphia. She was born in " ye ad 
.street" of that city in her father's house at the corner of Gardener's alley — now 
Coombs' court — somewhere about the year 1748. 

Her father had read law with his brother-in-law, Peler Evans, Esq., who was 
sheriff of the city of Philadelphia from 1707 to 1714, and early in life emigrated with 
his family to the city of London, where, after a course of study in the Temple and 
receiving his degree from the University of Oxford, he commenced the practice of his 
profession, in which he soon became eminent ; made a large estate, and was a member 
of Parliament for many years. Lady Erskine died, A. D. 1807. The following is 
the inscription upon her tomb, at Amondell, near Edinburgh, Scotland : 

Near this place lies buried 

Thk Honorable Frances Erskine, 

The most faithful and most 

Affectionate of woman. 

Her Husband 

Lord Thomas Erskine, 

An inhabitant of this parisli. 

Raised this monument 
To her lamented memory, 
A. D. 1807. 

His lordship died November 17th, 1823, and was succeeded by his son, David 
Montague Erskine, who had married Frances, daughter of Gen. John Cadwalader, of 
Philadelphia, at Christ Church, Philadelphia, December i6th, 1799. Lady Erskine 
was bom in Philadelphia, June 25th, 1781, and died in England, March 25th, 1843. 

Lord Erskine mariied secondly, Ann Bond, daughter of John Travis, Esq., of 
Philadelphia, July 29th, 1843, "^^ being his first wife's cousin, and the third Phila- 
delphia lady who had been elevated to the " Peerage" by the family of " Erskine.'" 
David Montague Erskine died March 19th, 1855, aged 78, and was succeeded by his 
second son, John Cadwalader Erskine. 

^Robert Walsh, LL. D., (N. U. 1819), author, born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 
3784, and died in Paris, France, February 7th, 1859. His father, born in Ireland, 



LORD ERSKINE TO ROBERT WALSH. 1 37 

Since you left England a collection has been made by 
a bookseller here of some of my speeches, when at the 
bar, on the liberty of the press and on constructive 
treasons, subjects which more than any other are con- 
nected with that genuine public liberty which France has 
destroyed in Europe, but which, thank God, exists here, 
and which the United States bids so fair to carry forward 
to future ages. It is a great consolation to me, after 
having in a manner devoted my life to that great cause, 
to see some few fragments of my labours preserved, and 
as I hear that there are spurious publications of some 
(of) my speeches in America I have taken the liberty to 
send you the four volumes as they have been published, 
because they were all taken in short-hand with the 
greatest fidelity, by the most eminent short-hand writers, 
and strictly examined at their respective periods. My 
son, I believe, sent the two first volumes to Mr. Cadwal- 
ader and now sends the two others, and I understand 
thro' him that there is in America the spurious publica- 
tions I allude to. There is no country in the world in 

was a merchant of Baltimore. He was educated at the R. C. College, at Baltimore, 
and the Jesuit College, at Georgetown. Returning from a visit to Europe in 1808, 
he studied law under R. G. Harper, married and began practice, but, owing in part 
to deafness, abandoned law for literature. In 181 1, he commenced the publication 
of the first quarterly in America, The American Review of History and Politics, 
continued two years; in 1813, he published his "Correspondence with R. G. Harper 
respecting Russia," and " Essay on the Future State of Europe." He also furnished 
several biographical prefaces to an edition of the English poets, then being published 
in Philadelphia. In 1817-18, he edited the American Register; published a 
biography of Franklin, in Delaplaine's Repository, 1818; "An Appeal from the 
Judgments of Great Britain respecting the United States," 1819, — an able vindication 
of America from the aspersions and slanders of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews. 
In 1820, he established the National Gazette, with which he was connected till 1836. 
He also edited the American Magazine of Foreign Literature, but resuscitated his 
American Review, in March, 1827, continuing it with great ability ten years ; in 1836, 
he published two volumes of " Diadactics." About this time he went to Europe, 
where he spent the residue of his life, and was in 1845-51 United States Consul at 
Paris. He was a member of the Philosophical Society, and of the Royal Spanish 
Academy of History. 



138 LORD EKSKl.XE TO ROBERT W-ILSIJ. 

which I have ever taken so strong and warm an interest 
as in that of the United States. I saw her birth. I 
watched over her here whilst she was in her cradle and 
scarcely a day passed that I did not through the free 
press of Great Britain uphold her glorious cause. I hope 
we shall soon see her re-united in harmony with the 
parent from which she sprung. I shall be glad to hear 
from you when you have leisure, and shall be glad at all 
times to obey your commands here. 
I have the honor to be, dear sir. 

Your faithful and most Obt. Svt., 

Erskine. 

2 Upper Grosvr. Place, London, 
Jan'y 29, iSil. 

P. S. — It would give me the greatest pleasure to be 
rescued from the bane of spurious publications and to 
be better known to the people of America. Will you be 
so good as to speak to Mr. Cadwalader on the subject. 
You may pledge me for the authenticity of these volumes 
tho' they were not collected nor published by myself 





LADY FRANCES ERSKINE, mv CADWALADER, 

born 1781, died 1843. 

From a miniature l.y K. FiKLD, iSoo. Publisln-il liy W. Y. BooGin-R, Phil.-idelphi; 



HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

From the Biddle Papers. 



(Continued from page 92.) 

Clement Biddle. 

July 8, 1776. 
Appointed by Congress Deputy Quarter Master Gen- 
eral for the Flying Camp & Militia of Penna & New 
Jersey ordered to rendezvous at Trenton with the rank 
•of Colonel. 

By order of the Congress 

Signed John Hancock 
CiLvs. Thomson, Secty. Presdt. 



I iTH Sept., 1781. 
By Supreme Executive Council of Penna. 

Jos. Reed 
T. Matfack, Secty. Presdt. 



Appointed Quarter Master General of the Militia of 
the Commonwealth of Penna. with the rank of Colonel. 



Martha Washington to Mrs. Bassett. 

Philadelphia, August 20, 1776. 
My Dear Sister: — I am still in this town, and noe 
prospect at present of leaving it. The General is at 
New York; he is well, and wrote to me yesterday, and 
informed me that Lord Dunmore, with part of his 
fleet, was come to General Howe at Staten Island; that 

' Printed verbatim from the originals. 

(139) 



I40 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

another division of Hessians is expected before they 
think the Regulars will begin their attack on us. Some 
hear begin to think there will be noe battle after all. 
Last week our boats made another attempt on the Ships 
up the North River, and had grappled a fire-ship with 
the Phoenix ten minutes, but she got cleave of her and is 
come down the river. On Saturday last our people 
burnt one of the tenders; I thank God we shant want 
men. The Army at New York is very large, and 
numbers of men are still going. There is at this time 
in the city four thousand, on their march to the Camp^ 
and the Virginians daily expected. 

I doe, my dear Sister, most religiously wish there was. 
an end to the war, that we might have the pleasure of 
meeting again. My duty to my dear Mama, and tell her 
I am very well. I don't hear from you so often as I 
used to doe at Cambridge. I had the pleasure to hear,, 
by Col. Aylett, tliat you and all friends were well, and 
should have been glad to have had a line from you by 
him. I hope Mr. Bassett has got the better of his cough 
long agoe. Please to present love to him, my brother, 
and sisters, my dear Fanny, the boy, and except the same 
yourself. 

I am, my dear Nancy, 

Your affectionate Sister, 

Martha Washington. 

To Mrs. Bassett, Eltham. 



Gen. Washington to Col. Clement Diddle. 

Head Quarters, Middle Brook, 

May the 29th, 1779^ 

Sir: — I have received a copy of your letter of the 

27th instant to Major-General Greene, Quarter Master 

General upon the subject of forage. Your representa- 



J-IISTORICAL PAPERS. I4I 

tion upon this head is very' distressing, and I scarcely 
know how to direct you upon the occasion. It is my 
wish that every possible respect should be paid in all 
cases to the laws of this and every other State, and a 
sacred regard to the property of each individual member 
as far as it can be done; but if necessity will not admit 
of their strict observance, it must justify a deviation and 
such infringements as she compells. However, to 
prevent as much as possible any just ground of com- 
plaint and the charge of a wanton exercise of power, you 
should use every practicable exertion to obtain forage in 
the ordinary way and where this cannot be effected, 
whenever circumstances will permit, you should make 
written requisitions to the Magistrates for pasturage and 
meadows, and obtain them by their allotment. If they 
will not permit, or the Magistrates refuse to designate 
them or to make a competent provision, the exigency of 
the public service must decide the conduct you are to 
pursue. I have mentioned these precautions because 
(tho* all regulations must yield to necessity) the principle 
should be introduced with caution and be practiced upon 
with still more delicacy. 

What I have said above, will apply to every situation 
of the army, whether [nearly one page lost or destroyed] 
* * * body, or in detachment, in camp or on 
a march. I am Sir 

yr. most obed. Servt 
Go. Washington. 



Gen. Washington to Col, Clement Biddle. 

Head Quarters, Morris Town, 

1 8 th May, 1780. 

Dear Sir: — I have received your favor of the i6th 

acquainting me with your having resigned the office 



142 H/STOK/CAI. PAPJiKS. 

of Commissaiy General of Forage, and of the necessity 
which you are under of repairing to Philadelphia before 
the 1st of June to settle the accounts of the department. 
Justice to you induces me to express my intire approba- 
tion of your conduct, so far as it has come under my 
notice in the particular line of your duty and to 
acknowledge tliat the army has at several times in very 
critical circumstances derived great advantages from your 
activity and address in giving assistance to the Commis- 
sar^-'s and Quartermaster's departments. Should you 
again incline to engage in the service under any new 
regulations which may take place, I can assure you that 
your re-appointment will be a measure highly agreeable 
to me. I feel myself obliged by your expressions of 
personal regard which is reciprocal. 

I am with great esteem Dear Sir 

Your Mo obt Servant 

Go. W.\SIIIXGTON. 
Col. Biddlk. 



Gen. Washinimon to Col. Clement Biddle. 

He.\d Ors. Morrls' Town, 

May 27th, 1780. 
"Dr. Sir: — From the opinion I entertained of your 
services, I was sorr)' to hear in the first instance when 
tlie matter was communicated to me, that you were about 
to leave the army & had actually resigned your commis- 
sion to the Quarter Master General. An event is soon 
to take place which will still encrease my concern on this 
head. We have every reason to expect that an arma- 
ment composed of Land & Sea forces will soon arrive 
from France in these States to cooperate with us against 
tlie common enemy. The department you filled is a very 
important one, and, on a proper discharge of its duties, 



HISTORICAL rAI'EKS. I 43 

our abilities to move in case of active operations, will 
greatly depend. I should therefore be happy if you 
would remain in it, as from your experience, activity and 
•entire knowledge of our resources in the line of it, I am 
persuaded, the public service would derive many great 
advantages at this interesting juncture. But I find on 
recurring to your letter of the i6th instant, by which you 
communicated your resignation, that you are to be in 
Philadelphia on the call of the Hon'ble the Board of 
Treasury by the ist of June. If you consent to remain 
and on which point I request your answer, I will take 
occasion to write by you to the Board and inform them 
of my wishes for your earliest return. In this event I 
shall consider your stay at Philadelphia as rather unlucky 
however short, as we have not a moment to spare in 
■concerting our arrangements. 

I am Dr. Sir, 

yr. most obed. st. 

Go. Wasufngton." 

Col. Biddle. 

" In consequence of the foregoing I continued to serve 
til the latter end of September when a successor was 
appointed to fill my office. 

Clemext Biddle." 
Addressed on the outside " To Col. Biddle. 

Go. Was)iington." 



Gen. W.V.SHINGTON TO Dr. Stuart. 



Mount Vernon, 9th April, 1793. 

Dear Sir: — On Thursday next at one o'clock, I mean 
to pay the last respect to the remains of my deceased 

I'Jephew — by having the funeral obsequies performed. 



144 HISTORICAL PAPERS. 

Mrs. Fanny Washington & myself would be very glad 
to see you, Mrs. Stuart, & the girls here on that occasion, 
for this reason, and knowing they have not the means of 
getting down, a carriage is sent for them, and I believe 
it would be extremely grateful to Fanny if Mrs. Stuart 
would come down without more delay than she can well 
avoid. The funeral will be in the presence of a few 
friends only. 

The day following, that is on Friday, if not unex- 
pectedly prevented, I shall set off on my return to 
Philadelphia. 

Charles takes up a Box with some things for the girls, 
in which is property of Austin's, not hard to designate, 
though hard in its nature. My love to Mrs. Stuart and 
all the family. 

I am always, gind sincerely. 

Your Affecte. Servt., 

G. Washington. 

Dr. Stuakt. 

(historical papers to be continued.) 



ANECDOTE. 
The following anecdote told me by an aged relative 
some thirty years since. Genl. Mifflin, with several 
American officers during the Revolutionary War, were 
dining at Mrs. Livingston's; the day was very hot and 
Mrs. L., seeing that Mifflin had his coat buttoned close up 
to his chin, remarked, why do you not unbutton your 
coat you seem to suffer very much from the heat. I 
hope that it is no new Army regulation. Leaning 
towards her he said in a loud whisper: Madam I cannot, 
I have no shirt on, nor do I believe that we have one 
amongst us (alluding to the other officers). How so? 
remarked Mrs. L. Mifflin said that all their linen has 
been given up to dress the wounds of the soldiers. 



THE COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES 
OF AMERICA. 



By Henry Phillips, Jr. 



TN an artistic point of view, the coinage of the United 
-*■ States of America is as conventional, unmeaning, 
and unattractive as that of any other modern nation; 
but as the medium through which the daily wants of over 
fifty millions of souls are supplied, it cannot fail to- 
possess a certain degree of importance. Singularly 
enough the art exhibited upon the money of the earliest 
days of the Republic, is of a much higher quality than 
that which now adorns (?) its coins. 

The United States of America is a Democratic 
Federal Republic, formed originally by the union of 
thirteen distinct and independent sovereignties. Its. 
coinage may be attributed to three eras, viz. : 

I. Ante-Revolutionary or Colonial, before 1776. 
II. Confederated, from 1776 to 1788. 

III. The United States. 

I. 

In some of the original thirteen colonies, coins were 
issued. 

Massachusetts in 1652, erected a mint and coined 
silver shillings, sixpences, and threepences of varying 
types. This infringement on the Royal Prerogative was, 
after a few years, brought to an end. It is of this 
coinage that the story is narrated that the Master of the 
Mint gave to his buxom daughter as her dowry, her own 
weight in these silver shillings, she standing in one of the 

(>4S) 



146 COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

scales while the glittering hoard was being poured into 
the other, so that she was literally worth her weight 
in silver. 

The Proprietor of the Colony of Maryland, Lord 
Baltimore, in 1659, caused to be struck silver shillings, 
sixpences and groats, which are now very rare; of this 
mintage a copper penny exists, which is believed to be 
unique. 

In 1722, 1723, and 1733, a subsidiary coinage under a 
patent from the British Crown was struck, consisting ot 
twopenny, penny, and penny pieces, which in design and 
execution are creditable specimens of Numismatic Art. 
From the device on their reverse, they are known as the 
fRosa A'tnericana series. 

In 1670, an issue of silver money, and in 1721, 1722, 
and 1 767, an issue of copper coinage were made for the 
French Colonies in America, one of which, Louisiana, 
subsequently became a part of the United States. 

Virginia, in 1773, issued copper half pennies, and in 
1774, the shilling in silver. James II. issued a tin coin 
for circulation in America, on which the value was ex- 
pressed in Spanish currency. A piece exists, coined in 
1760 by Charles III., of Spain, which, from the occur- 
rence of the word " Florida " upon its reverse, is supposed 
to have been issued for that Colony. There exist some 
tokens which are attributed to this period, but as they 
were not authorized issues, they need not be included 
in the present account. 

II 

During the existence of the Articles of Confederation, 
and until the adoption of the Federal Constitution, by 
which the right of striking money was taken away from 
tlie States and granted to the general government, 



COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I 47 

copper coins were issued by the States of Massachusetts, 
Connecticut, New York, (although in this latter case it is 
not positively known that the coins which exist were 
authorized by the State), New Jersey, and Vermont; 
there also appeared a multitude of copper tokens of light 
weight, put in circulation by unknown parties. Among 
these were the JJova Constellatio, Kentucky, Georgius 
Triumpho, (Bar Cent, &c., &c. At Annapolis, in 1783, a 
jeweller named Chalmers, issued on his own responsi- 
bility, a silver currency of shillings, sixpences and 
threepences. 

The coinage of these two eras, afford many interesting 
and beautiful types; some are extremely rare and 
command high prices. 

III. 

In 1787, the copper coin known as the Franklin cent, 
was struck by the authority of the Federal Government. 
Preparations were made for the establishment of a 
National Currency and a National Mint; patterns pre- 
pared, some of which bore the head of Washington, for 
the contemplated cent, disme, and half disme. 

The regular coinage of the United States Mint began 
In 1793, with the issue of copper cents and half cents. 
The former were of several varieties, the obverse of one 
of which exhibits a beautifully designed female head 
with loosely-flowing hair, representing an ideal Liberty. 
Later in the same year, this device was changed by the 
addition of a pole, surmounted by a liberty cap, thrown 
over the left shoulder of the female bust. In 1 797 the 
cap and pole were omitted, and the hair of the female 
tied up behind with a fillet. In 1808 a much more 
sedate and matronly bust, whose head was encircled by a 
fillet bearing the word liberty, surrounded by thirteen 



148 COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

Stars, was substituted. In 18 15, no cent was issued. In 
1 8 1 7, fifteen stars were added on the obverse instead of the 
original thirteen, the intention being to continue, as in the 
flag, placing a star for every State as it entered the Union ; 
but this cumbersome device was abandoned on the 
coinage after a short time. In 1838, the type was 
changed to that at which it remained until the last issue 
of the large copper cent in 1857. In 1856, the small 
nickel cent was introduced, being coined for circulation 
in 1857, which, after various changes of type and alloy, 
is still in use. 

The half cent was first issued in 1 793. It never was a 
coin that supplied a great popular want, and doubtless 
grew out of the supposed necessity for exact change 
required by the old currency of Spanish fips, levies and 
quarters, suppressed in 1857. 

Half cents were coined in all the years to 1857 
inclusive, except in 1798, 1799, 1801, 1812, 1813, 1814, 
1815, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 
1827, 1830, 1837, 1838, 1839. 

GoL.D Coin. — The earliest gold coin was the eagle or 
ten dollar piece issued in 1795. This coin did not bear 
upon it any designation of its value. None were issued 
m 1802, and from 1804 to 1838. In 1849, the great 
abundance caused by the discoveries of gold in California, 
led to the striking of the double eagle or twenty dollar 
gold piece, of which of this year, only one specimen is 
known to exist and is in the Cabinet of Coins of the United 
States Mint at Philadelphia. 

The coinage of the half eagle or five dollar piece 
began in 1795, none being issued in 18 16 and 181 7; of 
the quarter eagle, or two and a half dollar piece, in 1 796, 
of which none were struck in 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, 
1803, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 
1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1822, 1823, 1828. 



COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. I 49 

The denominations of these gold coins have remained 
unchanged, but their types have been several times 
altered, and their representatives of to day are unlike as 
possibly can be to the pieces originally put forth. The 
three dollar (gold) piece began in 1854, and the one 
dollar (gold) in 1849. 

Silver. — The coinage of silver dollars and half dollars 
began in 1794, but no silver dollars were issued from 
1805 to 1836, and none in 1837; no half dollars were 
issued in 1798, 1799, 1800,^ and 18 16. Quarter dollars 
began in 1796, none being coined from after that year 
until 1804, then none from 1807 until 181 5, none being 
issued in 1816, 1817, 1826, 1829, 1830. The dime 
began in 1796, none being issued in 1799, 1806, 
1808, 1810, 1812, 1813, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 
1826; the half dime in 1794, none being struck in 
1798, 1799, 1804, and from 1805 to 1829. 

There have been several changes in the weight and 
fineness of the silver coinage. 

Under the act of April 2, 1792, which established the 
Mint, the dollar was to be of the value of a Spanish 
milled dollar and to contain 37 It^ grains of pure silver 
or 416 grains standard silver, and smaller silver coin to 
be in proportion. The next change took place under 
the law of January 18, 1837, when the dollar was 
reduced to 412^ grains. 

By act of February 21, 1853, the half dollar and smaller 
coins were reduced in weight; the former to 192 grains, 
and the others in proportion. 

The act of February 12, 1873, raised the half dollar to 
12 grammes and smaller silver in proportion. Provision 
was made for the coinage of the trade dollar of 420 grains 
which remained a legal tender until July 22, 1876. 

•The half dollars of 1805, were struck over a die of 1804. None of 1804 are 
however known to exist. 



150 COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

The half dollar, by the provisions of the Revised 
Statutes, section 3513, was subsequently raised to iiyi 
grammes in weight. 

The act of February 28, 1878, authorized the coinage 
of a dollar of 4121^ grains Troy standard silver. 

These are the "Bland dollars" that in thousands are 
piled up in the vaults of the government, that the 
people refuse, and that are only coined for the benefit 
of those who desire to sell silver to the United States. 

The three cent piece was coined in silver from 1851 
to 1873; since 1865 it has been struck in nickel. The 
silver twenty cent piece was issued from 1875 to 1878. 

Two cent pieces in bronze were authorized by act of 
Congress, April 22, 1864, and coined until 1873. 

The United States coins are very expensive to obtain, 
and even when forming a complete collection, present 
very little of interest except to a patriot; their cost is 
nowise in proportion to their merits. The Mint has 
frequently struck experimental and pattern pieces which 
are eagerly sought after by collectors and bring high 
prices. Of these, it may be said that it would be an 
utter impossibility to form a complete collection. 

Note. — Among the rarest of the coinage of tlie United States Mint, are the 
following : 

Half cents, 1793, 1796, 1802, iSii, 1S31, 1836, 1840 to 184S inclusive, 1849, 
(small date) 1852. 

Cents, 1793, 1799, 1804, 1809. 

Three cent (silver), 1854, 1855, 1873. 

Half dime, 1802, (this is the rarest of all the small coins,) 1846. 

Dime, 1 8 10, 1846. 

Twenty cent piece, 1877, 1878. 

Quarter dollar, 1796, 1804, 1823, 1827. 

Half dollar, 1794, 1796, 1797, 1815. 

(Silver) Dollar, 1794, 1804, 1S51, 1852, 1858. 

Gold — Twenty dollar, 1849. I" 1882, only six hundred and thirty were struck, 
and that date will be scarce. 

Eagle, 1798, 1838. 

Half Eagle, 1797, 1815, 1822, 1824, 1828. 

Quarter Eagle, 1796, 1797, 179S, 1806. 




/a'9?ieJ *^^rc?w?ime' 



REVERExND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 



Contributed by Charles Henry Hart. 



'T^HE following remarkable letters written by a promi- 
■^ nent clerg^'man of the Episcopal Church to his 
son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Andrews, 
Jr., are now printed to show, in part, that the "good 
old times" some people are so fond of cherishing 
and wishing might return, were not so redolent of 
innate refinement as we are often led to suppose. 
Aside from this they have a very decided gossipy 
flavor and are far from uninteresting. The writer 
was the Reverend James Abercrombie, D. D., one of 
the Ministers of the United Churches of Christ Church 
and St. Peter's, Philadelphia. He was born in Philadel- 
phia, January 26th, 1758, and was the son of a Scotch- 
man, a relative of the celebrated Sir Ralph Abercrombie, 
who had formerly been an officer in the British Navy, 
but came to America and took up his residence in 
Philadelphia, where he was married, Nov. 27th, 1753, at 
Christ Church, to Margaret Bennet. He continued to 
follow the sea and was lost in 1 760, by shipwreck in the 
German Ocean. His widow married, Sept. 26th, 1767, 
Charles Stedman, who she survived, and died July 2 2d, 
1803, aged seventy-six. James, the son, graduated from 
the College of Philadelphia in 1776, the last commence- 
ment of the old College, which was subsequently mero-ed 
into the University of Pennsylvania. Being inclined to 
the ministry, he began his theological studies with the 
Rev. William White, but had to relinquish his books 
after two years attention, ow-Ing to his impaired eyesight. r^Z 

2A (151) 



152 RF.rEREXD y.-i.UES ABERCRO.VB/E. D. D. 

He subsequently went into mercantile life and took some 
part in politics, and in 1792, was elected a member of 
City Councils. In 1793, he resumed his theoloorica! 
studies and was ordained deacon at St. Peter's Churcli, 
Dec. 29th, 1793. The June following, he was appointeii 
one of the ministers of the United Churches. His salary 
in tliis position not being sufficient for his support, he 
founded in 1800, in conjunction with the Rev. Dr. 
Magaw, of St. Paul's Church, the Philadelphia Academy, 
and three years later became sole head of the school, 
a position he continued to hold until 1S17. In Novem- 
ber, 1832, Dr. Abcrcrombie resigned his office of Minister 
to the United Churches, a charge he had held for more 
than thirty-eight years, and died June 26th, 1841, in 
his eighty-fourth year. Dr. Abercrombie was married 
Oct. 31st, 1783, at Christ Church, to Ann Bannton. 
She died January 4th, 1805, aged forty, and he sub- 
sequently married in June, 181 7, Miss Maria Mason, 
who survived him many years, dying December 29th, 
1873, aged eight)^-six. He had by both wives thirteen 
children, nine daughters and four sons. 

Dr. Abercrombie was fond of social and convivial 
pleasure, and his tone, both of ecclesiastical and political 
sentiment, caused his sincerity to be sometimes ques- 
tioned. He was a frequent purchaser of lottery tickets, 
and on more than one occasion, visited the theatre, which 
much scandalized the "pious community" in which he lived. 
The letters here given, show that he gave his tongue, or 
at all events his pen, unbridled license, and that whatever 
other virtues he may have possessed, delicacy and re- 
finement were not among his ruling qualities. A prelate, 
high in the church has, however, said of him, "that he was 
admired for his excellence as a reader of our liturgy, for 
his ability as a writer and eloquence as a speaker; and 



REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. I 53 

-exhibited in his long-continued, active, and steady dis- 
charge of ministerial duty, an unbroken attachment to 
the cause of Christ and of His Church." 

Dr. Abercrombie's daughter, to whom the last letter 
is addressed, married Mr. John Andrews, Jr., a .son of the 
•Rev. John Andrews, D. D., who succeeded Dr. McDowell 
as Provost of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. and 
Mrs. Andrews resided in Baltimore. The illustration 
given is a fac simile of Dr. Abercrombie's book plate. 



Philad'., June 12th, 18 12. 

Friday, 12 o'clock. 
My Dear Sir: — Tho' this scrawl may perhaps be 
too late to meet you at New York, yet as you perhaps 
may feel anxious about your Father,^ I think it proper to 
assure you again of the restoration of his health. W. 
Meredith^ and I walked up this morning and found him 
well, with hat and boots on ready for an excursion. 

' Rev. John Andrews, D. D., was a son of Moses and Letitia Andrews, of Mary- 
land, where he was bom in Cecil county, near the Head of Elk, on April ist, 1746. 
He graduated from the College and Academy of Philadelphia, in 1765, in the same 
•class with Bishop White. After receiving Episcopal ordination in London in February, 
1767, he returned to America with the appointment of missionary to Lewes, De!., 
from the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts. He subsequently 
removed to York, Pa., and later was appointed Rector of St. John's Parish, Queen 
Ann county, Md., which he retained until after the Declaratian of Independence was 
declared. "Not partaking of the patriotic spirit of the times" he was induced to quit 
Maryland, and he returned to York, Pa., where he opened a classical school. In 
1785, he was placed at the head of the Episcopal Academy, at Philadelphia, and in 
1789, was chosen Professor of Moral Philosophy, in the University of Pennsylvania, 
and two years later Vice Provost. In December, 1810, he was unanimously elected 
Provost, an office he continued to hold until February, 1813, when he resigned on 
account of ill-health and premonitions of his early demise. These were speedily 
realized as he died of apoplexy, March 29th, 1813. In 1772, Dr. Andrews was 
married to Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Mary Callender, of Cumberland county. 
Pa. She died Febrtiary 22d, 1798, from the shock of the loss of a little son, who 
was burnt to death. 'ITiey had ten children. 

' William Meredith was Ixim in Philadelphia, July 2d, 1772, and was the second 
son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Meredith, natives of Great Britain. Mr. Meredith 
graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, studied law and was admitted to the 
bar in 1795. He married Miss Ogden, a neice of Govemeur Morris, a lady of fine 



154 REVEKEA'D y.iMES ABERCROXnUE, D. D. 

I suppose from the order of the Steam boats, we shall 
not see you till Tuesday; for I hope you will spend a 
day or two in Providence and Newport. Won't you be 
compelled to feast a litde more in N. York and take a 
formal farewell of luxurious boards, before you return to- 
our simple one? Come when you will tho', we shall 
rejoice to see you. 

Jona'n Bayard Smith'' is said to be near his end — as 
is also, the rich, the pompous, and the mighty Henry 
Pratt*: but "he shall carry nothing away with him 
when he dieth, neither shall his pomp follow him." 

Your boy devoured his portion of morning cake, this 
morning, with uncommon eagerness. He increases in 
wisdom, and, if not in stature, in extension daily. The 
Lady Dowager Bunner^ is here, but that I suppose 
you know. 

I am as busy, to use a polished Chesterfieldian phrase, 
as "a bee in a tar barrel," preparing my boys for my 
commencement, which I hope will be a good one. 

literary attainments, who was a frequent contributor, with her husband, to Dennie's 
Portfolio. Mr. Meredith withdrew from the bar in 1814, but filled many offices of 
public and private trust. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church, and 
sat for many years in its Diocesan and General Conventions. He died, September, 
1844, and is interred in St. Peter's Church Yard, where he with his wife lie in 
unmarked graves. He was the father of the late Hon. Willi,am M. Meredith. 

•Jonathan Bayard Smith died at Philadelphia, June 16, 181 2. He was bom in 
Philadelphia, in 1 741, graduated from the College of New Jersey, in 1760; was a 
memlier of the Continental Congi'ess, 1777-78; subsequently Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas, of Philadelphia county, and Trustee of Princeton College, and the 
University of Pennsylvania. 

* Henry Pratt, an eminent merchant of Philadelphia, and son of Matthew Pratt, a 
very good local portrait painter, w-is bom May 14th, 1761. Before his m.ajority, he 
engaged in the china and crockery trade ; and soon afterwards entered into the grocery 
business. He ultimately amassed a large fortune, and had for his country seat Lemon 
Hill, now a portion of Fairmount Park. He was thrice married, sur\ived all his 
wives, and died February 6th, 1S3S, leaving numerous decendants and a will the 
trusts under which are yet unexecuted. 

' Probably " Mrs. Sarah Bunner, relict of Andrew Bunner, Esq., and daughter of 
Samuel and Eliza P^isher, of this city, who was born June 14th, 1751, and died 
August 2d, \%Z2"— Christ Church Yard Record. 



REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 155 

Present me affectionately to the Royal Rector of 
Grace Church/ and to his little Carolina Rib, or rather 
^ice bird. 

Don't fail to inquire about Governeur Morris's 
oration^ and to bring me one. My girls and boys salute 
you and your spouse — "Salute ye one another with an 
holy kiss" — or in any other way you like better. Once 
more and for the last time, epistolarily. 

Adieu, je vous recommende, 

Yrs. truly, J. A. 



January 4th, 18 14. 

My Dear Sir: — I thank you most cordially for yr. 
truly acceptable present of cigars. I can get none such 
here. I have smoked your health with them several 
times. 

The glorious news we have reed, is, I trust, only the 
forerunner of more glorious and exhilarating intelligence 
which will eventuate in peace throughout the world, and 
the downfall of despotism. 

Our speculators here are "shivering In the wind." 
Coffee and sugar, with many other articles, have fallen 
very considerably; and every body is on the tiptoe of 
•expectation for more "bloody news." 

I wish I could see you for half an hour, I would ask 
a world of questions. Can't you guess at some of them, 
and answer them by anticipation? Your wife can help 

1 This letter is addressed to Mr. John Andrews, Jr., Care of the Rev. Mr. 
BoTven^ Reiflor of Grace Church, New York. Nathaniel Bowen was born in Boston, 
Mass., June 29th, 1779, and was graduated by Charleston College, S. C, in 1794. 
He entered the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and while Rector of 
Grace Church, N. Y., was in 1S18, chosen Bishop of South Carolina, and removed to 
Charleston, where he died August 25th, 1839. In 1805, he married Margaret, 
■daughter of John Blake, of South Carolina. 

2 Oration in Honor of the Memory of George Clinton, late Vice President. 
Delivered in New York, May 19th, 1S12. 



156 REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 

you, for she has a wonderful knack at guessing; and will,. 
if she lives long enough, pass very well for an old witch.. 

Winter, with all its horrors, is at last come upon us, 
and I fear will give us a terrible shaking. 

What think you of the times? Do the wiseacres of 
Baltimore think we shall have peace, or a ten years war? 

How does Coal come on with our Magazine? I have 
not yet seen or heard of my notice of yr. father's book 
being pubd. in a newspaper. I have written to you once 
or twice about it, but its not your way to notice such 
things. 

I inclose a copy of a recommendation which we want 
the Bishops and Clergy of the different States to sign. 
Give to Cardinal Kemp^ and let him get the Bishops and 
other clerical signatures. It is signed here by the Clergy 
of other denominations. Return it as soon as possible. 
Tell me how our number is received. 

Yrs. Affy., J. A. 



PniLA., Jan. loth, 1814. 

My dr. Sir: — You and yrs. could not have been more 
silent towards us for 10 days past, if you had been dead 
and buried. I have a mind to address you as Col. 
Tiddiman did Mr. Johnstone, "Is the Devil in you? or do- 
you want to be" forgotten by us? 

I have at last found a conveyance for my packet, by 
Mr. Coleman,- (the son of my Lancaster friend,) who is. 

' James Kemp was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1 764, graduated from 
Marischal College, Aberdeen, in 17S6, came to the United States the following year, 
and two years later took orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1S14, he was. 
elected Suffragan Bishop of Maryland, with Dr. Claggett, and two years later became 
Bishop of the Diocese. He died in Baltimore, October 28th, 1827, the result of aii 
accident, occasioned by the overturning of the stage coach in which he was returning; 
from the consecration of Bishop Onderdonk, at Philadelphia. 

' Probably Edward Coleman, son of Robert Coleman, who emigrated from 
Ireland to Lancaster county, Pa., and found emplojinent with Peter Grubb, at the- 



REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. I 57 

very amiable, very diffident, and very rich. He goes 
down to yr. city to be groomsman to Mr. Stump, ^ who is 
going to get an additional (Rutnp, to comfort him and 
keep him warm this cold weather. 

James brought up and left with me a number of Clarke's 
Bible, but without being able to give me any directions 
about it, so you must tell me what I am to do with it 
for you. / 

The girls are all gone a sleighing with the Lardners, 
while I am much better employed in writing to you, by 
my Imperial stove in my delightful study. I have just 
returned from burying a woman who has had five 
husbands ! her knowledge of mankind has been consider- 
able! "Last of all the woman died also." 

We are all here in expectation of peace. Our specu- 
lators are paralized. Coffee is down to 25 cents, and the 
best sugars to 15 to 20 Dr. pr. cwt. How have you 
come off? I have thought much and anxiously about 
you. Fennel* has several times desired me to request 
you to look among yr. father's books for one he lent 
him, entitled Something. If you can find it, do send it 
up, for drunk or sober, he always attacks me about it 
whenever I meet him. 

Give our love to Pegg)', your little ones, and James. 
Yrs. Affy., but in extreme haste, 

J- A. 
The shirt sent is James's. 

Hopewell Forge. He afterwards became manager of Baron Steigel's furnace, later 
acquired an interest in it and finally became possessed of the entire furnace. " To 
him is Lancaster county chiefly indebted for the celebrity it acquired from the number 
and magnitude of its iron works and the excellence of its manufactures." Robert 
Coleman married a daughter of Robert Old, and his son, Edward, was one of the 
wealthiest and most enterprising citizens of Lancaster. 

' The surname of a well-known Maryland family. Admiral LeRoy married a 
Stump. 

* James Fennel, actor and author, was born in London, 1766, and died in 
Philadelphia, June 14th, 1816. His life and character are too well known to need 
delineation here, especially as his Apology for my Life, 1814, is accessible to all. 



158 REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 

Piiu.AnA., Sept. 6th, 18 14. 
My Dear Friend and Daichtkr: — 

You have doubtless been informed by Betty, that I, 
with my httle companion, arrived here safe and sound at 
7 o'clock last night. The night was mild and bright; the 
stage not crowded, and by fixing myself firmly in my 
seat, with my knees powerfully pressing against the 
broad black bum of the fat negro wench who placed her- 
self in the seat before me, I slept a considerable part of 
the way ; so that being thereby refreshed, and the follow- 
ing day being cloudy and cool, I had a verj- pleasant ride 
and did not experience the smallest degree of fatigue. 
When we arrived at Havre de Grace, and the passengers 
of the accompanying stage got out, who should be 
among the Jionottred few, but that resplendent mirror of 
military skill, prudence, and prowess, the illustrious, and 
never-to-be-forgotten (or forgiven) Genl. Armstrong,* 
accompanied by that blustering booby, Jacob Barker,* 
who seemed like a great mastiff protecting a Spaniel 
puppy who had just stolen some meat for him, and was 
crawling about with his tail between his legs, conscious 
of his misbehavour, and dreading the just vengeance of 

> John Armstrong, was born at Carlisle, Pa., November 25tli, 1755. lie served 
in the Revolutionary war and was the autlior of the celebrated Newbiirg Letten. 
After the war he returned to Pennsylvania and was made Adjutant General of the 
State. He removed to New York, whence he was sent to the Senate of the United 
States, where he served from 1800 until his resignation in 1804, to accept the mission 
to France as the successor to Chancellor Livingston. President Madison made him 
Secretary of War, and his flight from Washington, with Mr. Madison and his cabinet, 
at the sacking of the city by the British in 1814, gave the coup de grace to his official 
career. It was charged that the capitol w.is lost by reason of his neglect to provide the 
proper means of defence. He was dismis.sed from office and the duties of the War 
oflice devolved upon Mr. Monroe, then Secretaiy of State. He relumed to Red 
Hook, New York, where he lived until April ist, 1843, when he died at the age of 
eighty-eight. 

2 Jacob Barker was born in New Kngland, December 17th, 1779, and died in 
Philadelphia, December 27lh, 1S71. His comparatively recent death makes it 
unnecessary to rehearse his eventful career. 



REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMDIE, D. D. 159 

the cook at every corner. Mortification, disgrace, and 
chagrin, were stamped on every feature of the Caitiff's 
countenance. He talked Httle, but "looked unutterable 
things." He sat by himself in the stage and never left it, 
but when obliged by the change of stage or the call to a 
meal. Barker took especial care never to mention his 
name, but when he addressed him, merely said General. 
He was known, however, in all the towns, and gazed at, as 
a monster, nor did any individual on the way greet him but 
that celebrated spouter and fire=extinguisher, Anderson,^ 
tavern-keeper and Member of Congress at Chester. May 
he experience the contempt and punishment he deserves! 
A letter was this day rec'd by Geo. Latimer^ from his 
son James, just arrived in Boston. He left England 53 
days before, and states that Sir R. Hill'* was in the 
country, visiting his friends; that the division of his 
troops had not embarked; that peace was expected — 
tho' the popular voice called for war — that tho' the Com- 
missioners,'' Mr. Gambler, Dr. Adam, and Mr. Golbourn, 
had not left England when he sailed, there was no doubt 
that they soon would. This is good news — at least in 
prospect. 

'William Anderson, was bom in Chester county, Pa., in the year 1763, and 
although very young served his country in the Revolutionary war with credit, taking 
a prominent part at the capitulation of Comwallis. After the war he resided in 
Delaware county, and was a representative in Congress from Pennsylvania, 1809 to 
1815 and 1817 to 1819. In the latter part of his life he was Custom House officer at 
Chester, where he died December 13th, 1829. 

' George Latimer, was a native of Delaware, born of Irish parents. He was a 
-commission merchant and for some years Speaker of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, 
lie was afterwards appointed Collector of the Port of Philadelphia. He was a man 
■of high respectability, very benevolent and charitable. He was a member of the 
Friendly Sons of .St. Patrick, and one of the founders of the Hibernian Society. 

' Sir Rowland Hill, bom at Prees Shropshire, August 1 1 th, 1 772 ; entered the 
army in 1 790; was raised to the peerage in 1 8 14; took the chief command in 1828, 
and died near Shewsbury, December loth, 1 842. He was called the "right arm of 
Wellington," and was the most popular general in the British army. 

* English Commissioners at the Treaty of Ghent. 



l60 REVEREND JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. 

'Tis now very late, and I must conclude with thanking 
you, my dear Peggy, and your peerless spouse, for your 
late hospitality and kind attention to me in Baltimore. 
Kiss my two Grandsons and Granddaughter for me, and 
believe me most cordially and unalterably, 
Yr. Affece. Father, 

J. A. 

We expect Maria, to-morrow. Present our best love 
to faithful Bet. 



THE MINT COINAGE IN 1798. 



Mr. Editor: — I have had presented to me by a friend,, 
a copy of the Philadelphia Almanac for the year 1800, 
by the celebrated Enoch Lewis. It was published by B. 
& P. Johnson, No. 147 Market Street, Philadelphia. 
In this Almanac is given a statement of the coinage of 
the Mint of the United States for the year 1798. It 
is as follows : 

Gold Coins — 7974 Eagles, Dollars, ^79,740 
24,867 Half Eagles, Dollars, . 124,335 
614 Quarter Eagles, Dollars, . 1,525 



Total of Gold, . . . $205,600 

Silver Coins — 327,536 Dollars, $327,536 

27,550 Dimes 2,755 

330.291 



Copper Coin, 979.700 Cents . . . 9797 



$545.68& 
Benjamin Rush. 



Mint of the United States, 
Treasurer's Office, January 3d, 1799. 



MATERIALS FOR AMERICAN ANTE-REVO- 
LUTIONARY HISTORY, 

AS IT IS TO BE FOUND IN THE MAGAZINES OF THE TIMES 
FROM 1731. 



Compiled by Henry Phillips, Jr. 
(Continued from page 134.) 



Gentleman's Magazine. 



1752, August. 

Proposals by Mr. Peter Purry, of Newfchatel, for 

Encouragement of Such Swiss Protestants as 

Should Agree to Accompany Him to Carolina, to 

Settle a New Colony, 

There are only two methods, (viz.) one for persons to go 
as servants, the other to settle on their own account. 

1. Those who are desirous to go as servants must 
be Carpenters, Vine^planters, Husbandmen, or good 
Labourers. 

2. They must be such as are not very poor, but in a 
condition to carry with them what is sufficient to support 
their common J^ecessity. 

^. They m,ust have at least ^ or 4 good Shirts, and a 
suit of Cloathes each. 

4. They are to have each for their Wages 100 livres 
yearly, which make ^0 crowns of the m.oney of Newfchatel 
in Swisserland; but their Wages are not to commence till 
the (Day of their Arrival in Carolina. 

J. Expert Carpenters shall have suitable encouragement. 

6. The time of their Contract shall be 3 Years, reckoning 
from the day of their arrival in that Country. 
(161) 



\62 j.vsAVCA.v M.\'rf:-XEroLC'7VOXMKr ///sy'OKy. 

7. They shall be supply' J in part of their IVuges tvith 
Money to come from Swisserland, till they embark for 
Carolina. 

6. Their Wages shall be paid them regularly at the end 
cf every Yeur; for Security whereof they shall have the 
Fruits of their Labour, and generally all that can be 
procured for them, whether Moveables or Immoveables. 

g. Victuals and Lodging from the (Day of their Em-- 
barkation shall not be put to their Account, nor their 
(Passage by Sea. 

10. They shall have what Money they want advanced 
during the Term of their Service in part of their Wages 
to buy Linnen, Clothes, and all other Mecessaries. 

11. If they happen to fall Sick, they shall be lodg'd and 
nourish'd Gratis, but their Wages shall not go on during 
their Illness, or that they are not able to Work. 

12. They shall serve after (Recovery, the Time they had 
lost during their Sickness. 

13. What goes to pay (Physicians or Surgeons, shall be 
put to their Accompt. 

As to those who go to settle on their own Account, 
they must have at least 50 Crowns each, because their 
Passage by Sea and Victuals, will cost from 20 to 25 
Crowns, and the rest of die Money shall go to procure 
divers things which will be absolutely necessary for the 
Voyage. 

From the London Journal, Aug. 5. 
On the C01.0NV OF Georgia. 

The Romans esteemed the sending forth Colonies 
among the noblest of their Works. When they found 
themselves overburthen'd with a Conflux of People from 
all Parts, they lessen'd their Multitude by planting them 
in Colonies on the Frontiers of their lunpire, which gave 
a new Strength to the Whole, the l"!.\pence being 
defray'd out of the publick Treasury. 



AMUR /CAN AjWni-KK VOL UT/OA'AA' Y J/J:;T0/< Y. \ 6^ 

From the Cuartkr. 

His Majezty having taken into consideration the mizer- 
ahle circumstances of many of his own poor subjects, as 
likewise the distresses of many foreigners, who would take 
refuge from persecution ; and having a princely regard 
to the great danger the southern frontiers of South 
Carolina are expos' d to, by reason of the small number of 
white inhabitants there, hath granted a Charter for 
incorporating a number of gentlemen by the name o/'Ihe 
Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in 
America. They are impower'd to collect benefactions, 
and lay them out in cloathing, arming, sending over, and 
supporting colonies of the poor, whether subje6ls or 
foreigners, till they can build houses and clear lands. 
And his Majesty farther grants all his lands between the 
rivers Savanah and Alatamahah^ which he erects into a 
Province by the name of Georgia. At the desire of the 
gentlemen there are clauses in the Charter restraining 
them and their successors from receiving any salary, fee, 
perquisites, or profit whatsoever , by or from this under- 
taking ; and also from receiving any grants of those 
lands, &'C. 

The Trustees expect to raise a considerable Fund 
from the compassionate Disposition of our Gentry and 
Nobility; and in order to prevent the Benefactions from 
being misapplied, will deposite the Money in the Oiank of 
England, and enter in a Book each Sum given with the 
Benefactors Names. Annual Accounts of all Money 
received and disposed of, will be laid before the Ld Ch. 
Justice of the King's (Bench, Master of the Rolls, Ld Ch. 
J. of the Common (Pleas, and Ld. Ch. Baron of the 
Exchequer, or Two of them, and printed Copies of the 
said Accounts will be transmitted to every considerable 
Benefactor. 



t64 AMERICAX AXTE-REVOLUTIOXARY HISTORY. 

The Colony of Georgia lying about the same Latitude 
with part of China, (Persia, (Palestine, and the Maderas, 
it's highly probable, when peopled, may supply us with 
raw Silk, Wine, Oil, 0ies, (Drugs, and many other 
Materials for Manufactures, which we are obliged to pur- 
chase from Southern Countries. As Towns are estab- 
lished, they will make such a Barrier as will render the 
Southern Frontier of the (British Colonies on the Conti- 
nent of America, safe from Indian and other Enemies. 

Instrui51ions will be given concerning the Method of 
cultivating the .Soil. There are but few Indian Families 
within 400 Miles. 'Port (Royal, the Station of His 
Majesty's Ships, is within 30; and Charles Toivn, a great 
Mart, within 120. If the Colony is attack'd, it may be 
relieved by Sea from 'Port (Royal, or the 'Bahamas; 
and die Militia of South Carolina is ready to support it 
by Land. See a List of the Trustees, p. 825 G; leaving 
out Tho. Tew, Esq ; for John Lacocke, and Wm Bentz, 
Esqs; read John Laroche, Wm. Belitha, Esqs; and add 
tlie following, viz, 

The (Rev. Richard Bundy, 
Arthur Bedford, 
Samuel Smith, 
Adam Anderson, Gent. 
Thomas Coram, Gent. 

We are shorter in the Description of Carolina, as 
given in this and other Journals, having had Mr. 
(Purry's original Treatise in French communicated to us; 
a Translation of which follows: 

A Description ok the Province of South Carolina, 
Drawn up at Charles- Town in Ser". 1731. 

The King of Great 'Britain having about three Years 
ago purchased this Province of the Lords Proprie- 
tors thereof, has since studied to make Agriculture, 



AMERICAN ANTE RE VOL UT/ONAR V IIISTOR Y. I 65 

■Commerce and Navigation, flourish in it. His Majesty 
immediately nominated Col. Johnson, a worthy Gentle- 
man, to be Governeur thereof; who, at his Departure for 
Carolina, receiv'd divers Orders and Instructions, but in 
particular was directed instantly to mark out Places in a 
proper Situation for building Eleven Towns, viz. 

Two on the River Alatamaha, 

Two on the River Savannah, 

One at the Head of the River (Poupon, 

Two at the River Santee, 

One at the River of Watery, 

One at the Black River. 

One at the River Wacomau, and 

One at the River (Pedee. 
The district of each of these Towns is to contain the 
extent of 2000 acres of land, formed into a square, border " 
ing on the river, and divided into shares of ^0 acres for 
■each man, woman, or child, of one family ; which may 
he augmented, as the planters shall be in a condition to 
cultivate a larger quantity of ground, and every one of 
them shall have an equal share of the better and worse 
lands, and also the same right on the river. 

Each town shall be formed into a parish, the extent 
whereof shall he about 6 miles round the town on the 
same side of the river ; and as soon as a parish shall 
contain 100 masters of families, they may send two 
members to the Assembly of the Province, and enjoy the 
same privilege as the other parishes of the ^Province. 

The ground of each town shall be speedily marked out, 
and shall belong in common to all the inhabitants, till it 
shall be distributed in particular shares to each of them. 
There are to he joo acres of land near the town, which 
shall he comm,on forever, without being charged with 
rent, and no person shall, by virtue of any former grant, 
take possession of any land within 6 miles of each town. 



l66 AMERICAA' AXTE-REVOl.UTIOXAKY HISTORY. 

The rent shall be 4s. per Ann. /or every 200 acres, except 
that for the first 10 years the land shall be entirely free, 
and all those that shall settle in the said towns shall enjoy 
the same advantages. 

His Majesty further grants to every European servant, 
whether man or woman, ^0 acres of land free of all rents 
for 10 years, which shall be distributed to them after hav- 
ing served their master for the time agreed on. 

In consequence of these Instru(5];ions M. (Purry was 
permitted to go and chuse on the Borders of the River 
Savanna Land proper to build the Town of (Purrysburg 
upon; and having found it such as he wish'd, the 
Government made him a Grant thereof under the Great 
Seal of the Province, dated the ist of Sept. 1731, and at 
the same Time pubHsh'd throughout the whole Country 
a Prohibidon to all Sorts of Persons to go and settle on 
the said Land, which is already called the Siviss Quarter. 

In order to facilitate the Execution of this Undertaking 
in the best Manner, the Assembly granted to the said M. 
(Purry 400I. Sterling, and Provisions sufficient for the 
Maintenance of 300 Persons for one Year, provided they 
be all Persons of good Repute, and Swiss Protestants, 
and that they come to Carolina. 

The River Savanna is one of the finest in all Carolina, 
the Water good, and stored with excellent Fish: It is 
about the Largeness of the (Rhine, and there are 2 Forts 
already built upon it, one of which, call'd (Pallacholaas, is 
100 Miles from the Mouth thereof, and the other call'd 
Savanna Town, about 300 Miles; and altho' there is not 
usually above 20 Men to garrison the first Fort, and 
about 40 in the other, yet the Indians have never dared 
to attack them. 

The Town of (Purrysburg will lie situated 30 Miles 
from the Sea, and about 7 Miles from the highest Tide. 



AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR V JIISTOR Y. 167 

The Land about it is a most delightful Plain, and the 
greatest Part very good Soil, especially for Pasturage, 
and the rest proper enough for some Produ6^tions. It 
was formerly call'd the great Ymassee fPort, and is 
esteem'd by the Inhabitants of the Province the best 
Place in all Carolina, altho' never yet possessed but by 
the Indians, who were driven from thence by the 
English several Years ago, and have never dared to 
return thither. All Sorts of Trees and Plants will grow 
there, as well as can be wish'd, particularly Vines, Wheat, 
Barley, Oats, Pease, Beans, Hemp, Flax, Cotton, Tobacco, 
Indico, Olives, Orange Trees, and Citron Trees, as also 
white Mulberry Trees for feeding of Silkworms. The 
Lands will not be difficult to clear, because there is 
neither Stones nor Brambles, but only great Trees, which 
do not grow very thick; so that more Land may be 
clear'd there in one Week, than could be done in 
Swisserland in a Month. The Custom of the Country 
is, that after having cut down these great Trees, they 
leave the Stumps for 4 or 5 Years to rot, and afterwards 
easily root them up, in order to manure the Land. 

'Tis very certain, that Carolina is in general an excel- 
lent Country. 'Tis true, the Ground is sandy; but then 
'tis a Sand impregnated with Salt and Nitre, so that it 
brings forth in great Abundance, as the like Soil does in 
divers Parts of Europe. But what is more particular to 
Carolina, there are a great Number of Plantations that 
have been continually cultivated for near 60 Years, which 
yet still produce great Plenty without ever being manured 
by the least Dung, for they never lay any on their 
Grounds: The Planter only turns up the Superficies 
of the Earth, and all that he plants and sows therein 
quickly grows and matures: Those who understand 
ever so little of Agriculture will be obliged to own, that 

3A 



1 68 AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR Y HISTOR Y. 

if the Lands in Europe were not constantly manured, 
their Strength would be so exhausted, that at length the 
Crops would not pay for the Seed. But a Man who 
shall have a little Land in Carolina, and who is not 
willing to work above 2 or 3 Hours a Day, may very 
easily live there. 

Another Consideration deserving our Notice is the 
Progress of the first Colonies, their sudden Advancement, 
the Riches of the present Inhabitants, the great Number 
of publick Expences for which they provide, the great 
Trade which they carry on at present, and lastly, their 
Misfortunes and Losses; which are entirely repair'd. 
The better to comprehend these Matters, we shall only 
make the following Observations. 

1 . That there was no People in Carolina till about 60 
Years ago, for the English did not begin to send any 
thither till the Year 1670. 

2. That they had at first very fatal Beginnings, being 
afiflitled with Sicknesses, and even the Plague, which 
daily diminish'd the Number of the People. 

3. That cruel, destructive Divisions sprung up among 
them. 

4. That they had a very bad Government under the 
Lords Proprietors, being almost without Order, Justice, 
or Discipline. 

5. That at a certain Time the Pyrates interrupted their 
Trade and Navigation. 

6. That they have often had great Droughts. 

7. That a terrible Fire consumed almost all Charles 
Town. 

8. That they have been at great Expence in Fortifica- 
tions, publick Edifices, Churches, &c. 

9. That they have often sustain'd long Wars with the 
French, Spaniards, and particularly with the Indians, 
who once united altogether to destroy the whole Province. 



AMERICAN ANTE-RE VOL UTIONAR Y HISTOR Y. I 69 

10. That notwithstanding all these Misfortunes, the 
People of Carolina, except those who give themselves up 
to Debauchery, are all rich, either in Slaves, Furniture, 
-Cloaths, Plate, Jewels, or other Merchandizes, but 
especially in Cattle; which shews the Goodness of the 
Country they inhabit. 

The most Part of those who came first thither were 
very poor and miserable; several of those who are most 
considerable went but as Servants. 

The Trade of Carolina is now so considerable, that of 
late Years there have sail'd from thence annually above 
200 Ships, laden with Merchandizes of the Growth of the 
Country, besides 3 Ships of War, which they commonly 
have for the Security of the Commerce, and last Winter 
they had constantly 5, the least of which had above 100 
Men on Board. It appears by the Customhouse Entries 
from March 1730, to March 1731, that there sailed 
within that Time from Charles Toivn 207 Ships, most of 
them for England, which carried among other Goods 
41957 Barrels of Rice about 500 Pound Weight per 
Barrel, 10754 Barrels of Pitch, 2063 of Tar, and 11 59 of 
Turpentine; of Deer Skins 300 Casks, containing 8 or 
900 each; besides a vast Quantity oi Indian Corn, Pease, 
Beans, &c.. Beef, Pork, and other salted Flesh, Beams, 
Planks, and Timber for Building, most part of Cedar, 
Cypress, Sassafras, Oak, Walnut and Pine. 

They carry on a great Trade with the Indians, from 
•whom they get these great Quantities of Deer Skins, and 
those of other wild Beasts, in Exchange for which they 
give them only Lead, Powder, coarse Cloth, Vermillion, 
Iron Ware, and some other Goods, by which they have a 
very considerable Profit. 

The great Number of Slaves makes another Part of the 
Riches of this Province, there being above 40,000 Negroes, 
which are worth, one with another, 100 Crowns each. 

There are between 5 and 600 Houses in Charles 
Town, the most of which are very gostly, besides 5 



1 ;o M.VEX/CM.V AXr£.X£ VOL LTIOXAR Y Ji/SrOJC ) . 

handsome Churches, viz. one for those of the Clnirch oi' 
Et:gi\n:J, one for the IVesbytcrians, one for the Ana- 
baptists, one for the Quakers, and one for the French. 
If you travel into die Country, you will see stately 
Buildings, noble Castles, and an infinite Number of all 
Sorts of Cattle. If it be ask'd what has produced all 
tliis? the Answer is, 'Tis onlj- the rich land of Carolina.* 

(TO BE CONTINUKD.) 



THE WELSH SOCIETY OF rilll.APl-l rUl.A. 

By Horatio Gatks Jonks, 



MANY of the early settlers of Philadelphia loft their 
native lands at great sacrifice, and raiiiorthan suffer 
cruel punishments by fines and imprisonments at home, 
they sold their properties diere, and sought quiet and 
freedom in what was tlien the wilderness regions of 
Pennsylvania. It was so with Englishmen, Welshmen, 
and Germans. The liberal offers made by Penn, the 
noble founder oi our Commonwealth, induced thousands 
who suHered in their native land to seek a refuge here, 
where among die so-called " savages " they found more 
comfort dian they did among diose called christians in 
England. Among the early settlers were many from 
the Principality of Wales, where the doctrines of Pox and 
Penn had gained numerous adherents. The Welsh 
were full of fire and zeal, and were devoted to die 
cause of free diought in politics as well as religion ; 
but when diey listened to Penn, who spoke of die guiding 
influence of die "inner light," their natural zeal was sub- 
dued, and diey yielded to the holy precepts of the Gospel, 
as explained by him. Some who came in the "Welcome " 
were nadves of Wales, and soon after laree numbers 



' It may not be disagreeable in this Place to iitlorm our Keaden, that Mr. Furry, on his return la 
S*vissfrian*J , with this Account of Carolina, soon prevail'd on many iudiuttrious Persons aiul their 
Families, to the Number ol abi>ut 400, to co with him. On the 11th of tins Month they embarked 
at CaUis In Frttnct on Board two f'm^/isX Ships, which arrive\i off l\<tvr the ne.xl lUy^ und are 
now Siiilcd on their VoyaRe. Mr. Fi£iiioH their Minister dime 10 Z.^n./'>w. and received Kpiscopal 
Ordination: So that the RefleCiious which some have cast on the Religion of these People, ar* 
ui^ustly founded. 



WE/.::n r.ocr/'.TV oj' /•/!//. /iij/j.i'ii//i. 



17/ 



from th;it country followr;!-] — and \\<ir<: found a land in 
which they could worshi[> God, none darin;/ to molest or 
make afraid. 'J he numbers of such can be readily con- 
jectured from the names of many early townships, such 
as ffaverford, Merion, Uwchlan, Caernarvon, Hrecknock, 
'I'redryfftyn, Radnor, Cymry, &c. Among these early 
settlers were many men of culture and education. Such 
were iJavid Lloyd, an early Chief Justice of the Colony, 
'Ihomas Lloyd, of iJoIobran, Deputy Governor, the 
Merediths, Clymers, 'ITiomas', I larveys, and Cadwaladers, 
men who wielded great influence in the government of 
Pennsylvania. There were also many clergymen from 
Wales, such as Dr. Wayman & livan Iwans, of Christ 
Church, Abel Morgan, of the Baptist Church of Phila- 
delphia, and iivan Morgan & .Samuel Jones, of Penne- 
pack Church. Most of the early Welsh settlers were per- 
sons who had little to depend upon for their support, and 
hence, as immigration from Wales incn^sed, it was ap- 
parent to those who were here, that some effort should be 
made to assist their fellow countrymen. Hence, as early 
as 1729-30, a .Society was organized called " The Society 
of the Sons of Ancient (britonz," which first met on St. 
David's Day (March istj. 1"he account of their meet- 
ing, as copied from '["he Pennsylvania Gazette, is as 
follows : 

" J'/ilMf/Kl-CKIA, i»t of thir'J rn'/nth, 1729, 
lA»t Stvfnlh Day many genii !^i»:ri and '/thwi of the ancient firelrm) rnet amd 
-walke/j in a regular or'ier, with Leek: in their hal},\i> the church, where wa« f/reached 
in the old liritiih language fan it» said) an excellent S«nw/ri on the five first veT»e» 
tii the 3d chaf/tCT of the 2d >xx>k of Tim/^thy, Fr'/rn thence they retomed in the like 
r/rder U^ the Oueen'» Head, where wa» an Jiandv/rne Dinner f/reparcd. Aft«r which, 
the following health* were drank, under discharge of Cannon, viz; the King and 
Church, f,)ueen Caroline, the I'rince and Royal Family, i'r'Aj/erily to ttie antient 
Bretoni and thi» Province, the yrtipr'iKi/jr'it health, and hi* W'tirnxxi, Goverriour f>yr- 
<Jon'», and many other health*," 

This was the organization of the Welsh .Society of 
Philadelphia, of which the writer has now the honor to be 
President for the last twenty-one years. The .Society 
organized in 1729-30, lost much of its f>ower and in- 
fluence for some years, but in 1798 it was reorganized 
and chartered, and since this latter date has maintained an 



172 WELSH SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA. 

active existence. Among its charter members may be 
named William Lewis, Clement Biddle, Robert Wharton,. 
Benjamin Chew, Jr., Joseph Hopkinson, John Cadwalader,. 
Matthew Randall, Samuel Miles, Benjamin R. Morgan,, 
and Richard C. Jones. Odier early members were- 
Roberts Vaux, George Vaux, Edward Tilghman, Henry- 
Hill, George Clymer, Thomas Wharton, Jr., Isaac Wayne^ 
Isaac Jones, Esq., Morgan, John Rhees, Dr. SamueV 
Jones, of Pennypack, Joseph Parker Norris, William^ 
Hamilton, of the "Woodlands," John and Charles- 
Wister, Joseph S. Lewis, Redwood Fisher, and others. 

In the early times, before " Wistar parties " and 
" Saturday Night " parties were established, the meetings 
of the Welsh, St. George's, St. Patrick's, and St. An- 
drew's Societies, were the places where the leading citi- 
zens were accustomed to meet in social festivities, and 
such gatherings were always well attended. The " Annual 
Meetings " were occasions where all the members were- 
summoned ; and at the Welsh gathering, on St. David's. 
Day, it was the custom, to have a kid for the first dish at 
the head of the table. This custom was kept up for man)- 
years, as each St. David's Day returned. 

The present Welsh Society, of Philadelphia, meets, 
annually on March ist, when they elect officers, and par- 
take of a banquet. The Presidents of the society since 
its organization in 1 798, have been as follows : Samuel 
Meredith, from 179S to 18 16; Robert Wharton, from 
1817 to 1822; Joseph S. Lewis, from 1823 to 1836; 
Thomas Morris, from 1837 to 1841 ; Thomas P. Roberts^, 
from 1 841 to 1844; James Glentworth, from 1845 to 1859; 
Joseph M. Thomas, from 1859 to 1861 ; Horatio Gates 
Jones, from 1862 to 1883. 

The object of The Welsh Society is to assist all emi- 
grants from Wales, diat is to say all persons who have 
recently arrived, but not persons who have gained a set- 
tlement in the country ; but the Society has never refused 
aid to any native born Welshman. 




///?//<? ^.4 



TRANSCRIPT FROM THE 

BIBLE OF TIMOTHY MATLACK, 

(Son of William Matlack, by Mary, his wife), 
was born y^ 8th day of y" 3d mon., 1695. 
Married Mary, daughter of Richard Haines, and she 
bore him 

Priscilla, y^ 5th of 2d mon., 1722. 

Letitia, y^ 13th of 5th mon., 1724, who dyed 31st 

of 1st mon., 1752. 
Achsah, y^ 5th of nth mon., 1726. 
Abi, y^ 1 2th of nth mon., 1728, who dyed 2 2d of 
I ith mon., 1728. 
And she dyed y' nth of y' 12th mon., 1728. 
1730, I mo. 1 2th, 

He married Martha, (daughter of Henry and Eliza- 
beth Burr), widow of Josiah Haines, to whom she bore 
Mary, y' 7th of 7th mon., 1724; dyed 29th of ist 

mon., 1727. 
Isaac, y" 28th of loth mon., 1725. 
Reuben, y' ist of ist mon., 1728. 
She was born 7th of 12th mon., 1704, and she bare 
him (Matlack) 

Sybil, y*" 6th of 12th mon., 1730; m. Cooper. 
Elizabeth, y' 1 2th of 4th mon., 1 734. 
Timothy,^ y^ 28th of 3d mon., 1736. 
Titus, y° 26th of 6th mon., 1738. 
Seth, y= 8th of 12th mon., 1743. 
White, y'= 7th of loth mon., 1745. 
Josiah, y' 4th of ist mon., 1748. 
And he dyed i8th of 6th mon., 1752. 

* A full account of this prominent citizen will be found in Simpson's Eminent 
Philadelphians, page 685. Matlack always stated that he was bom in the year 1730, 
which would have made him, at the iime of his death (April 15th, 1829), in his ninety- 
ninth year ; in this the old gentleman appears to have been mistaken. He is interred 
in the Free Quaker burial ground, south Fifth street, Philadelphia. 
(■73) 



THE DOCTORS WILLIAM SHIPPEN. 



Contributed by Charles Henry Hart. 



THE confusion incident to father and son bearing the 
same christian name, following the same vocation in 
life, and being therein actively and contemporaneously 
engaged, has in the cases of Doctor William Shippen, 
the Elder, (b. Oct. i, 171 2, d. Nov. 4, 1801,) and Doctor 
William Shippen, Jr., (b. Oct. 21, 1736, d. July 11, 1808,) 
caused many curious historical blunders in publications 
that have received wide circulation. It is not our pur- 
pose here to give any detailed notices of these eminent 
physicians or to point out or correft the blunders 
referred to. These have appeared in various places 
during the last few years. 

Our purpose is simply to introduce two letters, the 
first from the father, and the second from the son. They 
are both addressed to Mrs. Livingston, Germantown. 
She was Ann Hume, eldest child and only daughter 
of William Shippen, Jr., by his wife, Alice Lee, sister to 
Richard Henry, Francis Lightfoot and Arthur Lee, of 
Virginia. She was married March 11, 1781, in her 
eighteenth year, to Henry Beekman Livingston, brother 
of Chancellor Livingston, and second son of Judge 
Robert R. Livingston, of the well-known New York 
family. He served in the early part of the Revolution 
as Colonel, and was made a Brigadier-General towards the 
close of the war. The marriage, soon proved an unfor- 
tunate one, owing to the dissolute habits of Col. Living- 
ston, and a separation ensued. The "Pegg)'," spoken 

(>74) 



THE DOCTORS WILLIAM SHIPPEN. I 75 

of SO affectionately in each of the letters, was their only 
child, Margaret Beekman Livingston, born December 
26, 1 78 1, and died, unmarried, July i, 1864. Mrs. 
Livingston died at Philadelphia, August 23, 1841, and 
her husband at his residence, Columbia County, N. Y., 
November 5, 1831, aged eighty-one years, all to four 
days. 



From Dr. William Siiippen, the Elder. 

New York^ J^ny. 19th, 1786. 
Dear Nancy: — Your letter was received and what it 
requested, done. Little Peggy was well last night, very 
like her dear Mama in face and temper. The old Lady 
desires her love — a sore finger prevents her writing this 
post. She promises to do it next. Miss Alida^ has got 
a new lover, and that lover not very distant from you in 
blood; what do you think of it? Where is Tom.-*^ I 
wrote him on very material business, but have received 
no answer, nor yet from Dr. William Shippen, Jr.,^ 
Doctor of Physic and Professor of Anatomy. Ask him 
how the bank goes on, how much it is estimated M. W, 
and R.* have plundered it. Whether in the end it is 
probable they will have anything for the honest pro- 
prietors, but Mortgages on lands in the Moon, which we 

' A common christian name in the Livingston family. 

2 Thomas Lee Shippen, brother of Mrs. Livingston, born in Philadelphia, 1765, 
married March loth, 1791, Elizabeth Carter, widou- of Col. John Bannister, of Va., 
and daughter of Major James Parke Farley, of Antigua, W. I. He died February 
4th, 1798, and his widow married, thirdly, General George Izard, of South Carolina. 

' His son, her father. 

* Probably Morris, Willing and John Ross, as they were prominent supporters of 
the Bank of North America, which, at that time, was being loudly denounced, and 
was struggling against the faction which had deprived it of its charter in the Assembly 
of the State. 



176 THE DOCTORS WILLIAM SHIPPEN. 

can't reach, till the balloons are so improved as to go to 
and fro with facility. I am in doubt whether we are not all 
lunatics for trusting money where such rapacious wretches 
could come at it. 

Adieu. 



From Dr. William Shippen, Jr. 

Dear Nancy: — After your heartfelt Grief is a litde 
aswased, I may think of sending you money. You can't 
possibly think of so trifling a circumstance yet. What! 
an old lady^ 80 years old, very pious, gone to heaven, 
and you inconsolable — have you not wished the happy 
event a long time ? My Dear Peggy, may and ought to feel 
for the loss of so kind a Grandmother and I condole with 
her, but I know she has sense enough not to grieve 
much when she considers what a happy change ye old 
lady has made ; do you hear what the old lady has done 
for Peggy ? I hope she has not forgotten her, and yet 
their silence is not a good omen. I expect to see you 
soon. 

Yr. Affect, father, 

W. S. 

Monday. 

' Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Beekman Livingston, daughter of Col. Henry 
Seekman, by his first wife Janet, daughter of Robert and Margaretta Schuyler Living- 
ston. She died at Clermont, June, 1800, which fact fixes the date of this letter. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA.^ 



VIRGINIA was settled ostensibly for the purpose of 
founding an English nation and of propagating 
Christianity. A minister of the English Church accom- 
panied the men, who succeeded in making the first 
permanent English settlement in America, one destined 
as years rolled on, to be the leader in a defence of 
English liberties. At first there was little need of church 
government, as the minister may have been regarded as 
a chaplain to the Governor. As more men arrived and 
new settlements were made from the centre — Jamestown, 
to the most important of these ministers were sent. 
Then began the cooporation between the Church and the 
civil power. This was strengthened by the introduction 
into the colony of the laws, martial, moral, and divine, by 
which the Church was taken under the protection of the 
military authorities. The minister chose "foure of the 
most religious and better disposed as well to informe of 
the abuses and neglects of the people in their duties, and 
service to God as also to the due reparation and keeping 
of the Church handsome & fitted with all reverent 
observance thereunto belonging."* The captain of the 
watch in the town had to take care that all attended 
service, and could go in and out private houses to see 

' In the study of Virginian parishes great help has been obtained from Bishop 
Meade's invaluable work, "Old Churches and Families of Virginia." Want of time 
has compelled the writer to make use of the Bishop's treatment of original records, 
instead of consulting the documents themselves, which are preserved in the library of 
the Theological Seminary, Va. 

'Force's Tracts " Lawes, Divine, Morall and Martiall," p. ii. A letter of Rev. 
Mr. Whitaker quoted by Neill in his " Notes on Virginia Colonial Clergy," p. 4. 

('77) 



178 THE PARISH IN VIRGIKIA. 

that no one was neglecting religious duties or profaning 
the Sabbath by gaming or otherwise. It is generally 
conceded that these laws were based upon the customs 
prevailing under the military code in the United Nether- 
land, and were efficacious in bringing order out of the 
confusion in Virginia. Affairs improved and the martial 
discipline fell into disuse. A milder and popular gov- 
ernment was established in 16 19, and the first Assembly 
made provision for the Church. Governor W'yatt was 
instructed in 1 621, to "keep up the church of England as 
near as may be." The first acts of the Assembly of 1624, 
were for the benefit of the church. Places for worship 
were to be provided in every plantation, penalties were 
imposed upon ministers or laymen who failed to attend 
divine service, and the minister was protected from 
poverty and personal injur)^ The word parish now 
appeared for the first time in the laws, " there shall be in 
•every parish a publick garnary unto which there shall be 
contributed for every planter exceeding the adge of 18 
years alive at the crop after he hath been heere a year a 
bushel of corne, the which shall be disposed for the 
publique uses of every parish by the major part of the 
freemen."^ Three men were to be appointed in every 
parish to see that sufficient corn was planted. From 
this time on there were various enactments having refer- 
ence to parish matters, and most of them were re-enacted 
in the Assembly that met in March, 1662, when the 
country was returning to its normal state. Those laws, 
therefore^ afford a favorable starting point for the study 
of the parish. 

The original parishes were laid out in the same 
manner, and often with the same bounds, as the old 
plantations; that is, they extended many miles along the 

' Hening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 125. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. I 79 

rivers, but only a short distance into the interior. The 
population was denser in those regions, and the parishes 
having been designed for the people's benefit, followed 
them in their migration towards the mountains, and 
larger parishes were created, as the country became less 
divided by streams, and, consequently, as settlements 
were more widely scattered. In many instances county 
and parish had the same limits, and covered immense 
areas. Thus the parish of Augusta, extending from the 
Blue Ridge to the Mississippi, was also the county of 
Augusta. In time the more closely settled counties were 
divided into smaller parishes, which in turn became the 
basis for counties. In 1757, the parish of Cumberland, in 
Lunenburg county, was divided and Cornwall parish 
formed; in 1761, the original parish lost other territory, 
which became St. James' parish. These three parishes 
became in 1764, the counties of Lunenburg, Charlotte, 
and Mecklenburg, respectively, though still as parishes 
retaining their former names. Hence the enactments for 
the sub-dividing of counties and parishes may be used as 
general guides in calculating the growth of population. 
When the parish church was found to be in a situation 
inconvenient for many parishioners, the Assembly was 
asked to allow a division of the old parish to be made, 
and its inhabitants chose sometimes the surveyors to do 
it. But before the new one was legally organized, the 
dwellers in it had to satisfy all just claims of, and pay all 
dues to, the old parish. For some time parishes sent 
representatives to the House of Burgesses; afterwards 
this practice was allowed only when the parish had 
special measures to advance, and finally it ceased alto- 
gether, as it caused great and needless expense. In 
1662, power was given to the counties and parishes to 
make by-laws. These were to provide for circumstances 



l80 THE PARISir IN VIRGINIA. 

to which a general law could not apply, and when once 
made by the majority of voting inhabitants, were binding 
upon all. But this arrangement did not succeed, so 
an 1679 it was enacted that, instead of each parish 
making its own by-laws, it should elect two representa- 
tives to sit with the justices of the county court in order 
to make by-laws for the county. Thus the parish lost 
one of its principal forms of local government. Occa- 
sionally one discovers that courts of justice were held 
for the parish. This was done by the appointment and 
under the guidance of the commissioners of the county 
court, who resided in the parish, and the custom was 
instituted to save the people the trouble and expense 
that would have been incurred in attending the regular 
county court. 

Frequently in large parishes chapels of ease were 
erected, where services were held alternately with those 
a.t the "mother church." It would be interesting and 
instructive to study church architecture in Virginia, from 
the time when the Rev. Mr. Hunt preached under an 
old sail stretched over some poles, until the church at 
Williamsburg, adorned as well as any church in London 
had to be enlarged to accommodate the wealdi and 
fashion that thronged the capital during the sessions 
of Assembly. But the limits of this paper will permit 
only the briefest outline. The general rule followed 
in building a church was to make it in the form of a 
cross, having the chancel at the east end, and the pulpit 
at one side. The pulpit was a huge affair, towering 
above the high-backed pews in the church. Church ser- 
vices, then as now, were attended for many reasons 
besides the desire to worship. From early in the 
morning until service time the parishioners might have 
been seen coming from all directions on horseback, in 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. \%\ 

lumbering coaches ; or, when the church was near the 
water, in boats. The latest gossip was interchanged, 
arrangements were made for business or pleasure, and 
when the shadow on the dial shortened, at the ringing of 
the bell, the people filed into the church, where they 
were assigned seats by the church wardens, who had 
to see that all had places suited to their station, and with 
the sheriff or other officers had to care that the worship 
was not disturbed. During the service, the slaves 
basked in the sunshine outside upon the plea of watching 
the horses or equipages, or they nodded away in the 
gallery utterly oblivious to what minister or clerk was 
saying. The clerk read parts of the service, made the 
responses, or "set the tunes," for it was a long time 
before organs were introduced into Virginia. The 
minister's discourse may have been edifying, but it was 
seldom one calculated to arouse the ire of the hearers. 
This was not always the case. One minister who had 
some altercation with members of his vestry, and suc- 
ceeded by sheer force in defeating them, preached at the 
next service, from a text, that expressed exultation at his 
victory. Another having been locked out of church, 
delivered his sermon in the graveyard.^ The church 
door, in accordance with an old English custom, was the 
place for advertising matters of all kinds, from a notice 
of a* person's leaving the country, to the "crying" of 
hogs, boats, &c., that had been found astray. Either 
during or after service the minister or clerk published 

' The Rev. Mr. Kay told his own story " An order of Vestry was signed by seven 
vestrymen to discharge me and lock up the doors and nail up the pulpits, reading 
desks and windows of both churches, which they did ; and he himself with the other 
six vestrymen the next Sabbath day's forbad me and the congregation to enter the 
church, but at one of my churches where were many of my friends, they forced him 
and his six away, broke open the doors, pulpits and desks, and conducted me in." 
p. 389, " Papers Relating to the History of the Church in Virginia." 



I 82 THE FARlSll IX VIRCIXIA. 

Ixxnns, read the acts concerning adulter)-, &c., and gave 
notice of tlie election for the House of Burgesses. From 
necessity, carelessness, and indifference the surplice was 
not al\\*ays worn, and there was much laxity in ceremonies. 
A traveller to X'irginia in 1715. wrote, that "After tlie 
minister had made an end, every one of tlie men pulled 
out his pipe and smoked a pipe of tobacco."' Whetlier 
this was the custom ever)where is not known, but it 
is suggestive of the good fellowship existing among the 
people, who enjoyed few such opportunities of counter- 
balancing the evil tendencies connected with their usual 
segregated life. 

The minister, who faidifully discharged his duties, 
represented the bond of union among the parishioners. 
But, sad to relate, the ministers who came to buiUl up the 
church were not as a rule the best that die motherland 
had possessed. To be sure there were Latane, Hunt, 
Whitaker, Maury, and a host of odiers, all pious and 
energetic laborers, but the temptations to neglect tasks 
and obligations were ofttimes too great for clergymerj 
who had been sent to the new world in the hope that 
they would turn from their evil ways. From 1662 to the 
Revolution, there was a continual dispute about the right 
of presenting ministers to vacant parishes. I^ck of 
tliorough knowledge upon the subject in the writer, and 
want of space, forbid a discussion of this point of 
ecclesiastical law. To allay the troubles the question 
was carried to Englantl, and Sir Edward Nordiey 
delivered ar> opinion seemingly in favor of the parishes, 
but its meaning was misconstrued by the authorities 
in Virginia, who foolishly endeavored to foist ministers 
upon unwilling vestries.^ It must be confessed that some 

' '• Memoirs of a Huguenot Family," p. 261. 

• The ilecision given in 1 703 may be founil primed iu " Papers Kelating to the 
History of a Church iu Virginia," p. 127. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. I 83 

vestries were so controlled hy the Gov(;rnor as tf) carry 
out his behests. But the majority were so steadfast in 
maintaining their rights, that they preferred to employ 
lay readers, and often turned away worthy men from a 
fear of seeming to yield. In some cases their actions 
were entirely inexcusable. One vestry objected to a 
minister who had faithfully served many years because 
of "a small Tang of the I'rench," that rendered his 
speech unintelligible, except when he asked some of thf;m 
to take a glass of refreshment. Occasionally when the 
Governor recommended a minister to the vestry, and if 
upon trial he gave satisfaction, he would be accepted. 
The vestries seem to have recognized the right of the 
Governor to induct a minister into a parish that had 
remained vacant over twelve months, but they evaded it 
by employing their rector for a year at a time, and then, 
if he showed that he appreciated the situation, they would 
continue to hire him, or presented him to the Governor 
for induction.^ In the early years of the colony, the 
ministers were sup[jorted by an annual levy of ten 
pounds of tobacco and one bushel of corn for each person 
who tilled the ground. In 1 632 their salary was increased 
by the payment of the "20th calfe, the 20th kidd of 
goates, and the 20th pigge," which Hening calls " tithes,"^ 

' It seems proper at this point to give certain extracts showing how the Governor 
and the vestries acted. They are co]jicd from I'.ishop Meade's work : 

WiixiAMSiii'Rf;, April 26, 1745. 

Gentlemkn : — As your parish is at present unfurnished with a minister, I recom- 
mend to your approbation and choice the Rev. Mr. Scott, who in my opinion is a 
man of discretion, understanding, and integrity, and in every way '|ualified to dis- 
charge the sacred office to your satisfaction. I am your affectionate friend and humble 
servant, William Goocii." Vol. II., p. 208. 

" Ordered that Mr. Vicaris, the present minister, continue in his charge and exer- 
cise his ministerial functions until the next shipping, in hopes of his future amend- 
ment, he declaring his willingness then to leave the place if not approved of by the 
precinct and vestry." Vol. I. ji. 324. 

^Ilening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 189. 

4A 



184 '^^^ PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 

and in 1696 it was fixed at not less than sixteen thousand 
pounds of tobacco yearly, and this was paid until the 
Revolution by most parishes. In certain counties, where 
little tobacco was raised, people could pay their parish 
and other dues in money, and in 1758, an attempt was 
made to grant the same privilege to all. This greatly 
increased the contest between the clergy and laity, and 
many of the objeftions then advanced were satisfied only 
by the war for independence. Quite frequently the 
minister, in accepting a parish, took into consideration 
the quality of the tobacco raised in it, and it is rather 
amusing to see the distinction drawn between "Sweet- 
scented " and " Oronoco " parishes. It is only necessary 
to state that the last named parishes were more fre- 
quently vacant, to tell what kind of tobacco was tlie 
better. 

Two hundred or more acres were bought by, or given 
to, the parish for a glebe. On it were erected a dwelling 
house, negro quarters, and kitchen. Sometimes the 
necessary stock was supplied. The Rev. Duell Read, 
when he vacated his parish in order to return to England, 
ofave "four milch cows and calves, four breeding^ sows, 
a mare and a colt, to be delivered on the glebe of said 
parish to the next incumbent." Certain members of the 
vestry had years before agreed to " mark one cow-calf 
with a crop in the right ear, to be kept as well as their 
own cattle until they be two years old, then given to the 
vestry as stock for the parish."^ It was the duty of the 
incumbent to keep the glebe in repair, but unless a well- 
disposed vestry chose to relieve him, he either ruined the 
ground by successive crops, so that a new glebe had to 
be purchased, or he allowed the whole place to run to 
waste. There were few libraries for the benefit of the 

' " Old Churches and Families of Virginia," Vol. I., p. 359. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 85 

minister, and books would have been of small value 
to many of the clergy, whose spare (?) moments were 
occupied in drinking bouts, and the usual accompania- 
ments, in answering charges before the county court, 
or the Governor, or in gadding about in quest of any- 
thing to relieve the monotony of their life. A baptism, 
wedding, or burial, was hailed as a blessing, save when a 
long journey on horseback had to be undertaken. Such 
ceremonies were made occasions for the assembling of 
friends and neighbors. John Washington quaintly wrote 
in 1659, that he was unable to attend a court at St. 
Maiy's, in Maryland, "All ye company and gossips being 
already invited " to witness the baptism of his son. Forty 
shillings were paid for the delivery of a funeral sermon, 
"which," wrote Hugh Jones, "most of the middling 
people will have."^ In large parishes it was customary 
for individuals to have private burial places. Many 
bodies were buried in the churchyard, and sometimes 
by permission of the vestry in the church, and it was not 
unusual for a faithful rector to be laid to rest within the 
chancel where he had ministered. As people had to 
journey from afar to attend funerals, a meal was prepared 
for them, at which some were, alas, overcome by some- 
thing other than grief. 

The duties of the clerk who assisted the minister were 
multifarious. In the absence of the rector he could 
perform all the offices of the church, except matrimony 
and the two sacraments, he sometimes published banns, 
catechised the children and other ignorant persons, kept 
a record of births, marriages and deaths, sometimes 
acted as clerk of the vestry, and collector of parish levies, 
and saw that all leaves and other rubbish were cleaned 
away from the church yard. But minister and clerk 

' Hugh Jones, "Present State of Virginia, 1724," p. 72. 



1 86 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 

seem to sink into insignificance before that august and 
closely organized body — the Vestry. 

In 1643, ^ ^^^v '^vas passed requiring a vestry to be held 
in every parish, for the care of the church, laying of 
levies, &c., and "That the most sufficient and selected 
men be chosen and joined to the minister and church- 
wardens to be of that Vestrie."^ The number of vestry- 
men varied, and even after the law of 1 660, limiting the 
number to twelve in each parish, had been passed, there 
was some irregularity. Thus, in 1707, a dispute in 
Charles parish, York county, revealed the fact that there 
were eight vestrymen in each of the two precincts, that 
then formed the parish. The vestrymen were elected by 
the freeholders and householders "paying Seatt and Lett 
in the parish." The sheriff presided at the election to 
prevent all riotous proceedings, to receive the vote, an 
account of which he returned to the Council. Vestrymen 
were chosen for an indefinite term, although the 
Assembly during Bacon's regime tried to reduce their 
time of service to three years at a time. They filled 
vacancies in their own body, and could be dissolved only 
by act of Assembly. Many of the renowned sons of 
Virginia were at one time or another vestrymen. 
Washington was a member of two vestries at the same 
time. 

Vacancies seldom occurred except by death, removal 
from parish, or from old age. Many made the ofifice of 
vestryman a step towards obtaining political honors. 
The House of Burgesses was often controlled by men 
who were also vestrymen, and Bishop Meade ventured 
the statement that in the Virginia Convention of 1776, 
there were not three who did not hold that office. 

1 Hening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 240. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 187 

Vestrymen who were elected, took the oaths of suprem- 
acy, allegiance, abjuration, &c., and subscribed the test. 
There are a great many arguments against long tenure 
of office, but it must be said that a man, who had done 
his duty as vestryman for perhaps thirty years, was pre- 
eminently qualified by long ex-perience and matured 
knowledge to conduct and instruct other younger men 
in parish affairs. In many cases the office descended 
from father to son, by no right, save that of merit, or of 
inherited influence.^ The vestry met at least twice a 
year, at the church, vestry-house, or convenient private 
dwelling. At the Easter meeting church-wardens were 
appointed, and the accounts of the former ones examined. 
The meeting in the fall was for the purpose of apportion- 
ing the annual levy. At that time the various expenses 
-of the parish, including the minister's salary, provision 
for the poor, &c., were added together, and the whole 
amount divided by the number of tithables determined 
how much each had to pay. The minister and poor 
or infirm persons were excused from paying tithes. 

Some of the items in the list of parish expenses, are 
very amusing. " Ord'd. That the Ch. Wd's agree with 
any person for the Cure of Pridgeon Waddle's Nose — 
not exceed'g ten pounds."' From another it is dis- 
covered that two quarts of brandy were required for the 
burying of a poor woman, and there are many showing 
how paupers were kept, and treating of the binding out 
of orphan and bastard children. Often persons took care 

iThe writer of the recent article in the " Century," (Vol. XXV., p. 180,) would 
probably call such an arrangement perfect. In describing the officers of the Supreme 
Court, he makes the extraordinary statement, "An excellent civil service system pre- 
vails among the minor employees, some of whom are the sons and grandsons of 
former clerks and messengers. The strife for office which is one of the great evils of 
public life in this country, has never invaded the precincts of the Supreme Court." 

2 "Brock's Vestry-book of Henrico parish," p. 140. 



l88 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 

of their own children, and one entry shows that fifteen 
hundred pounds of tobacco were paid a woman "for Mary 
and Susanna Jeffs, children of Sarah Jeffs, in full for the 
Time she hath kept them, and to indemnify the Parish 
from all charge for keep'g and Bringing up the said 
children for the time to came, they being now bound 
Apprentices to her."^ The vestry appointed collectors 
of the levy. Sometimes the church-wardens served, and 
frequently the sheriff or special collector. They gave 
bond and received a fee of ten per cent. 

Once in every four years the vestry divided the parish 
into precincts, and appointed two persons in each 
precin(fl to "procession" the lands. These surveyors, 
assisted by the neighbors, examined and renewed, by 
blazing trees, or by other artificial devices, the old land- 
marks of the fathers, and reported the results to the 
vestry. This proceeding was absolutely necessary for 
preserving boundaries in a country where few fences 
were used except to protect the house-garden, or to keep 
hogs and other live stock from running abroad. 

The vestry had to provide for the maintenance of the 
poor. In the most flourishing days of the colony, it was 
an easy matter to find accommodations in private houses 
for the few indigent folks of the parish. The vestry paid 
for their keeping from the levy, or from the produce of 
land or other property bequeathed to the parish. The 
poor had to be supported by the parish where they 
lived, and if they wandered into a strange parish they 
were carried back to their own by a constable. Children 
whose parents were unable to bring them up properly, 
were bound out by the vestry. The persons to whom 
they were apprenticed promised to instruc!:!: them in 
religious principles, and "the art and mystery of some 

• Ibid, p. 144. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 89 

trade," while the children on the other hand were bound 
to do all they could for their master's welfare, and to 
avoid all the temptations to evil, that tippling houses or 
taverns were supposed to offer. But the element in Vir- 
ginian laws and Virginian charafter, that tended towards 
the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few, natur- 
ally resulted in course of time in increasing the number 
of the poor. In 1755, a law was passed, which if rightly 
administered, would have remedied many evils. Work- 
houses were to be built, where poor persons were to be 
employed at something that would help maintain them. 
Beggars were to work there for a stated time. The 
vestry had the right to make the regulations for the 
work-house, and all offenders against the rules, were to 
be whipped. The most obnoxious requirement was that 
the poor should have some distinguishing badge. This 
measure does not seem to have succeeded, for the record- 
books still show that the old system continued in force. 
There were, however, some exceptions. The vestry of 
the upper parish of Nansemond county, expended the 
proceeds from a sale of certain lands and stock in build- 
ing a "house for the reception of divers poor persons, 
who receive relief from the said parish, and for educating 
and maintaining several poor children,"^ and also made 
rules for its government. But during the Revolution it 
was such a difficult matter to collect sufficient funds 
to pay parish charges, that in 1778, the vestry was 
ordered to sell the old work-house and lands attached, 
and to devote the proceeds to lessening the levy. In 
some parishes were free or charity schools, of which the 
minister, vestrymen and church- wardens were the trustees, 
and they appointed masters who taught "English and 
writing." Sometimes for pecuniary reasons, the minister 

' Hening's Statutes, Vol. VI., p. 519. 



190 THE PARISH IN VIRGIXIA. 

taught school at the glebe, or acted as tutor in a private 
family. Vestrymen were not allowed to act as lay 
readers, but some resigning their office, went to England 
to study divinity' and having been admitted to orders 
returned to officiate in their old parish. The vestrj' was 
aided and represented in many of its relations to parish- 
ioners by the church- wardens. 

Church-wardens existed in \"irginia before vestrymen. 
The four assistants to the minister during the martial 
government were probably their protot)'pes. Mention is 
first made of them in the laws in 1624, but nothing is 
said as to the manner of appointing them. In 1632, it 
was ordered that they be chosen, probably by a meeting of 
all the parish, for up to that time there was no need of a 
representative vestry, as most of the parishes were con- 
fined to the small plantations lying around Jamestown, 
and so all inhabitants were within easy access of the 
place of worship. Though the church-wardens preceded 
the vestr}^ as historic factors, and as regards certain 
duties, yet after vestries had been organized they 
appointed their church-wardens as their agents in dis- 
bursing parish funds, in communicating with the Governor 
or other authorities, and in attending to the other various 
matters, which engaged their attention or appertained to 
their office. In case of the parishioners failing to elect a 
vestry the county court appointed the church- wardens, 
and sometimes sidesmen also. The minister and vestrj'- 
men from their own bod)', chose annually two church- 
wardens. The election was held at Easter, and the 
former wardens had to give an account of all their deal- 
ings before they were discharged. Some vestries re- 
appointed one of the wardens who had served a year, in 
order that he might act as counsel to the newly chosen 
one. This was an excellent idea as it no doubt prevented 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 



191 



many annoyances that would have resulted from inex- 
perienced persons taking entire charge of affairs. Such 
a practice may have been connected with the later 
distinction between Senior and Junior wardens, but it 
gave neither warden greater power than the other 
possessed, as they both were supposed to work in 
concert. The oath required of them gives a general 
view of their duties, and will therefore be quoted at 
length. "You shall sweare that you shall make present- 
ments of all such persons as shall lead a prophayne or 
ungodlie life, of such as shall be common swearers, 
drunkards, or blasphemers, that shall ordinarilie profane 
the saboth dayes or contemne Gods holy word or sacra- 
ments. You shall also present all adulterers or 
fornicators, or such as shall abuse theire neighbors by 
slanderinge tale carryinge or back bitinge, or that shall 
not behave themselves orderlie and soberlie in the church 
duringe devyne servise. Likewise they shall present 
such maysters and mistrisses as shall be delinquent in 
the catschisige the youth and ignorant persons. So 
helpe you God!!^ While the people lived near each 
other the wardens could have easily carried out these 
injunctions, but when population had scattered and 
great rivers had to be crossed, and long stretches of 
forest penetrated, to reach all the people, they were 
impeded in their labors, and so had to be assisted by the 
grand jury of the county, who often excelled the wardens 
in ferreting out and bringing to justice law-breakers. 
There was often small chance of obtaining proof, 
sufficient to convict an accused person. At one time 
certain tests were proposed for determining when a 
minister had become drunk. These would have applied to 
laymen also. "Sitting an hour or longer in the company 

Ubid, Vol. I,, p. 156. 



192 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 

where they are drinking strong drink, and in the mean- 
time drinking of healths, or otherwise taking the cups as 
they come round like the rest of the company; striking,, 
and challenging, or threatening to fight, or laying aside 
any of his garments for that purpose; staggering, reel- 
ing, vomiting, incoherent, impertinent, obscene, or rude 
talking,"^ all these were good evidences that the brute 
had conquered the man. The church-wardens collected 
the fines for drunkenness. Sabbath-breaking, neglediing to 
have children baptised, absence from church, &c. In some 
parishes stocks were ordered to be built for the ac- 
commodation of those whom the wardens had to remove 
from church to prevent them from disturbing the worship, 
or slumbers, of the congregation. Stocks seem to have 
been a favorite means of punishment for offenders of all 
grades. In 1633, a man was ordered "to make a pair 
of stocks and set in them several Sabbath-days during 
divine service, and then ask Mr. Cotton's forgiveness, 
for using offensive and slanderous words concerning 
him."^ Mortifying as this must have been, it did not 
approach in severity one mentioned in the earlier annals, 
A resident of Bermuda Hundred, who had vilified a mem- 
ber of the Council, was sentenced "to have his tongue 
run through with an awl," to pass through a guard of 
forty men each of whom was to butt him, and when he 
had reached the last in the line, he was to be "knocked 
down and footed out of the fort." Various other 
measures were adopted to enforce reverence for those 
in authority. Bishop Meade tells of persons compelled 
to stand during service with marks of humiliation about 
them, and of a woman condemned to suffer twenty- 
lashes upon her bare shoulders ! Even those who con- 
cealed the fact of slander having been uttered were 

'" Papers Relating to the History of the Church in Virginia," p. 34I. 

' Quoted by Neill and Meade from the court records of the later Accomac county. 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 93 

whipped or imprisoned. Severe as were these penalties, 
they were suited to the times and exercised a wholesome 
influence over the restless spirits of the early colonists.^ 
The minister and church-wardens took cognizance of 
persons who fornicated or committed adultery. If after 
proper admonition the bad conduct was continued, the 
gxiilty parties were presented to court. In 1627, the 
wardens of Stanley Hundred presented a man for 
incontinencey with a woman whose husband was away, 
and the man was told to leave her company. If a white 
man had improper relations with a negro woman, she 
was whipped, while he was sometimes whipped, but 
more frequently compelled to acknowledge his fault in 
church, that is to say, do penance. Unnecessary travel- 
ing, "fowling," or any gathering but for worship, on 
Sunday, were prohibited, and the church-wardens in 
trying to prevent them, and also in urging people to 
attend church, assumed the duties of the old captain 
of the watch. Persons who failed in their religious 
duties were fined for the benefit of the poor of the parish. 
One man was presented for "driving hogs over the 
mountains on the Lord's Day," others for playing cards, 
pitching and playing, and some for cursing and swearing. 
Though there were cases of tumultuous proceedings in 
the churches, the services were generally conducted in an 
orderly manner, and summary punishment was infli6led 
upon unruly chara6lers. A certain person was excom- 
municated for forty days, because he put his hat on 
in church, but one who had committed such an offence, 
probably cared little about the loss of the privilege of 

1 " March 25th, 1630, Tho. Tindall to be pillory'd 2 hours for giving my L'd 
Baltimore the lye & threatening to knock him down." " 1640, Stephen Reekes put 
in pillory 2 hours with a paper on his head expressing his offence, fined ^50 sterling 
and imprisoned during pleasure for saying his majesty was at confession with the L'd 
of Canterbury." Hening's Statutes, Vol. I., p. 552, 



194 THE PARISH IN VI RG I XI A. 

<ittending worship. Notwithstanding the efforts of the 
law-givers, and the vigilance of the authorities many 
immoral acfts were unpunished, and nothing else could 
have been expelled from individuals, whose supposed 
spiritual guides were themselves not altogether above 
suspicion. One well disposed person left by will ^loo 
to the vestry of his parish, who were to give the interest 
to the minister, on condition that he should preach four 
times yearly on the cardinal sins of Virginia. To make 
sure that there should be a congregation the interest of 
^25 was to be divided between the clerk and sexton, if 
they were present when the sermons were delivered. 
One of the ministers, who afterward enjoyed this legacy, 
it is said, could have brought a great deal of personal ex- 
perience to light as illustrative materials for his sermons. 
The church-wardens had to bind out foundlings or 
laastards. Heavy penalties were imposed for bastardy, 
and if the woman refused to pay the fine, she could be 
sold for five years by the wardens. The father had to 
see the parish suffered no loss in caring for his child. 
The wardens paid some one to raise the unfortunates, 
and frequently the mother consented to do so. In the 
vestry book of Henrico parish, it is recorded that one 
woman was paid for keeping her two bastard children, 
■and numerous other cases are mentioned. But in deal- 
ing with offences against morality, the grand-jury 
gradually supplanted the church-wardens, who busied 
themselves chiefly in caring for the poor, and in attend- 
ing to matters more closely belonging to the church. 
They sought out impotent and needy persons and either 
paid for their accommodation in private families, or sent 
them to the work-house. They employed doctors to 
visit them in sickness, and gave the necessary funds to 
iiave their bodies decently interred. The sexton of the 



TJIE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 1 95 

parish, besides keeping the church and grounds in order,, 
generally had charge of funeral arrangements. The 
wardens called vestry meetings, where they sometimes 
took precedence of the minister. In 1755, an impostor, 
who claimed to be a son of the Duke of Wirtemberg, and 
a minister, went about the country, and deceived some 
vestries into employing him.^ The Governor, therefore,, 
issued an order, telling the church-wardens not to allow 
anyone to officiate in their churches, unless he could 
prove that he was a regularly qualified clergyman. 

It must not be supposed that this order was art 
expression of opposition to dissenters, for after the 
troublous contentions of the seventeenth century had 
abated, Presbyterians, Quakers, and other Christians, not 
in accord with the doctrines and practices of the Estab- 
lished Church were tolerated in Virginia. Whitfield 
preached in Blandford Church. Davies in defending the 
cause of dissenters before the general court, charmed 
many and excited the admiration even of his opponents, 
by his manly utterances and glowing eloquence, and 
many others of that ilk attrafted large congregations in 
parishes vacant by reason of their distance from the 
capital, or because the tobacco raised there was of a 
quality inferior to that growing in the parishes situate 
between the York and the James rivers. 

The church-wardens had charge of the decorations of 
the churches, and made preparations for the celebration 
of the Communion. Usually this sacrament was ad- 
ministered at least three times a year at the great feasts, 
sometimes to the congregation in their pews, but this 
custom was not considered orthodox. At one time the 
minister and church-wardens presented the Governor 
and Council with a list of births, marriages, christenings,. 

' Virginia Gazette, February 2ist, 1755. 



Iig6 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 

and deaths, that had taken place in the parish during the 
year, but after county courts had been created, the clerk 
appointed by the vestry, kept a register of such events, 
and carried it each year to the court. There were a 
great many laws passed, which defined the duties of 
church-wardens and vestrymen, but it has been thought 
best to refer to those only, which it is known, were carried 
out, and the character of the rest may be summed up in a 
few words. They were designed either to reproduce the 
customs of the old English parishes, or to meet some 
necessity peculiar to the new country. But there was a 
great deal of looseness in the conduct of church affairs, 
which the arrival of a commissary failed to remedy. 
Commissary Blair himself wrote that such difficulty was 
experienced in obtaining enough ministers for the colony, 
that many offences among the clergy were overlooked 
altogether or pardoned, for fear of losing those that had 
livings. Meanwhile events were hastening, and the time 
was approaching for a struggle that was to produce a 
nation. The vestries, for a century, had contended that 
those who supported the ministers and founded churches, 
had a right to say who should enjoy their contributions. 
With this idea before them, it was an easy matter to 
advance to the feeling that they should resist attempts to 
tax them without their consent. Within less than three 
months after the royal assent had been given to the ob- 
noxious Stamp Act, Patrick Henry, who two years before, 
as advocate of a vestry against a minister, had declared 
himself an opponent to tyranny, offered those famous 
resolutions, which alone would have rendered his name 
immortal. Among those who were associated with 
Richard Henry Lee in the address and resolves of the 
patriots of Westmoreland against the use of the stamps, 
were many, who had, without doubt, imbibed and de- 



THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 197 

veloped their independent notions while serving as 
vestrymen. A feeHng of unrest began to affect all 
classes. Vestries became careless and allowed dissenters 
to be elected to fill vacancies in them. Some were dis- 
solved for misappropriating the poor-rates, and others on 
account of illegal elections. The attacks against the 
Establishment became more frequent and stronger. In 
1776, an Act was passed whereby all dissenters were 
freed from contributing towards the salaries of the clergy 
of the Church of England, but the churches, glebes, and 
other church property remained in possession of the 
vestries. Then vestries in several counties were dis- 
solved, and the indigent were given over to the care of 
the overseers of the poor. When the Revolution began 
churchmen, dissenters and all united in bearing arms. 
Even some of the clergy resigned their cures to serve as 
chaplains in the army. One, who to be sure was not 
a member of the Established Church, though in close 
alliance with it, when it became necessary entered the 
army and became known in history as General Muhlen- 
berg. A German by descent, a Pennsylvanian by birth, 
and a Virginian by adoption he soon developed talents 
that made him a leader in his county. Bishop Meade 
has given a dramatic account of his last sermon. He 
concluded with the words that there was "a time for all 
things; a time to fight, and that time had now come." 
The sermon^ finished, he pronounced the benediction. 
A breathless silence brooded over the congregation. 
Deliberately pulling off the gown which had thus far 
covered his martial figure, he stood before them a girded 
warrior, and descending from the pulpit, ordered the 
drums at the church door to beat for recruits."^ 

Men had little time and less inclination during the 

*"01d Churches and Famihes of Virginia," Vol. II., p. 314. 



198 THE PARISH IN VIRGINIA. 

Revolution to busy themselves with church affairs, and 
the opponents of the Establishment had frequent oppor- 
tunities to undermine still more the tottqring structure. 
One by one the powers of civil authorities were taken 
from the vestries and the inroads against ecclesiastical 
possessions culminated in the grevious Ati of 1802, that 
threatened to destroy, and which most certainly did great 
damage to the Episcopal Church in Virginia. But oppo- 
sition from without, internal dissensions.and the separation 
of State from Church, aimed at in the new constitution, 
brought it to pass, that the parish as a political institution, 
perished in the struggle whose birth it had so greatly aided. 

Johns Hopkins' University, EdWARD InGLE. 

April 14, 1883. 



JAMES MADISON TO ANTHONY MORRIS. 

From the Original in Possession of P. Pemberton Morris, Esq. 



Dear Sir : — The decision of Adml. Warner shuts the 
door to the destination which my proposal to you had 
in view ; I regret it the more as the other stations are 
provided for, and would besides be eneligible probably 
to yourself. Would a confidential service for a time at 
Cadiz, in an informal direction, be acceptable to you ? 
The service is of an important nature, and implies a re- 
spectable though unaccredited, and in some respects, 
unavowed agent The allowance will be at the rate of 
upwards of ^3000. It will be agreeable to know your 
determination as soon as convenient; and proper that this 
communication should rest with yourself for the present 
Should the service in question be accepted, a trip hither 
will be necessary, and the earlier the better, as will be 
your departure for Cadiz. 

Accept my friendly respects. 

Ant. Morris, Esq. JameS MaDISON. 

May 5th, 1S13. 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 



From Hugh Hamersley to His Excellency Horatio 
Sharp, Esq., Governor of the Province of Mary- 
land, Relative to the Colonies. 

Sergts. Inn, London, 20th Feby. 1767. 
His Excellency, Horatio Sharp, Esq. 

Dr. Sr. — No proper opportunity having offered for 
Maryland since my last I have a little cluster of your 
Excellencies letters addressed to Lord Baltimore and 
myself now lying before me. 

Your letter of the 14th of October introduced Mr. 
Fendall to me and agreeable to your Excellency's 
recommendation his Lordship has given him such a cer- 
tificate of an intention to Provide for him as will I under- 
stand entitle him to Orders in a few days. 

In your letter of 20th October to his Lordship you are 
pleased to apprize him of a new attack made by Mr. 
Brerewood and to desire copys of the Bill formerly filed 
here and his Lordships answer to it. Those copys go 
now enclosed and I hope contain abundant instructions 
and materials to repell a claim so long since abandoned 
here. When the answer was given in, there was no 
doubt entertained of the existence of the Patent, but if 
it be neither recorded nor forthcoming, as Yor Ex- 
cellency hints, that objection alone seems fatal and 
decisive without recurring to the others pointed out by 
the answer, which was obtained here by surprize and 
without the best information. That it was a grant from 

5A (199) 



200 HISTORICAL PAPER. 

Husband to wife may perhaps receive an answer in 
Equity. But if it contravenes the prior settlements the 
defect of Power in the Grantor will certainly invalidate 
it, aided by the many other circumstances of length of 
time, possession and acquiescence, and particular atten- 
tion should be given to the pretended tide of the heirs 
as such, as Mr. Brerewood proved insolvent and all his 
estates were by an Act of insolvency, of which he took 
the benefit, vested in his assignees, and either were or 
ought to have been specifically assigned to them. The 
Attorney General is desired to make every defence he 
can for his Lordship and the Tenants, and if necessary 
to bring the matter into a Court of Equity, which may 
procure time for furnishing any further information and 
instructions he may want from hence. 

I am very happy to find by your letter of the 22nd Oct. 
that his Lordship's instruction, taking off the qualified 
restraint of your assent to any new bill about ordinary 
sciences, arrived so seasonably, as it must have given 
immediatfe ease to the minds of your Excellency and the 
Council, tho' from the intelligence brought by the last 
letters (of which I shall hereafter take Notice) it has 
answered no present purpose. In this, as well as in 
almost every other incident. His Lordship will be well 
pleased to throw himself upon his two Houses of Assem- 
bly, and farbeit from him to distress them without doing 
himself any good, or to insist too strenuously upon a 
right when they can preclude him from the e.xercise of it. 
But if a temperate remembrance of the claim, may at a 
lucky hour, produce the opportunity of a compromise, 
he is persuaded, neither your Excellencey nor the 
Upper House will Overlook it. 

His Lordship approves of the New Commission 
issued upon the death of Mr. Brice, late Chief Justice of 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 



the Provincial Court, and his two associates, and of the 
five gentlemen you have added to the four surviving 
trustees, referring himself herein entirely to your Ex- 
cellency who must know, and he is persuaded will 
always recommend and make use of the most proper 
Persons. So likewise I do not find his Lordship has 
any Predilection for any of the Gentn. you have named 
to fill up the vacancys in the Council Board, but leaves 
you to select which two of them you think best qualified 
and the most proper to be employed in so important a 
Station, so immediately connected with all his interests 
and property. 

His Lordship cannot immediately lay his hands upon 
the two Petitions transmitted to Mr. Calvert in June 
1765 relative to the two excheated lots in Annapolis and 
Baltimore Towns, as that Gentleman's papers are still 
in great disorder. But if your Excellency will for the 
present give the Agent a proper Dispensation so that 
the sale may be no longer retarded, his Lordship will be 
ready to sign any instructions you will send him, either 
to warrant the dispensation or to authorize a further 
sale or conveyance, in consequence of an agreement to 
be now entered into for the purpose. 

The Proprietors of Maryland and Pensilvania having 
executed commissions as I foretold in my last, for pro- 
longing the return of the Proceedings upon the lines to 
Christmas 1767. I have now the pleasure to enclose 
your Excellency one of the renewed Commissons and 
presume Messrs. Penn have already done the same to 
their Govr. or Commissrs. The obelisks formerly sent 
being by this time disposed of Capt. Love now brings 
120 more or upwards which it is hoped will fill up the 
Complement but more will be sent, if wanted, upon the 
first notice. His Lordship is very desirous to render 



202 HISTORICAL PAPER. 

the work now carrying on as compleat as possible, but 
much approve your Excellency's caution not to give the 
least umbrage to the Indians which can be of no advan- 
tage either to him or Messrs. Penn. 

His Lordship desires me to acknowledge the Receipt 
of the remittance of ^187. .13. .9 mentioned in your Ex- 
cellency's letter of ist Nov. for y^ of the purchase 
money and allowance of Surveying of part of the Manor 
in Prince George's County paid you and Mr. Dulaney. 
Also, part of the ^60.. 5. .0 in your letter of 20 Nov. 
being the first Payment for part of a tract of escheat 
land in Annapolis County and of the ^6.. 19. .9 in the 
same letter being the part payments for the two parcells 
of Collington Manor. 

Yor. Excellency's letters to me of 21 Nov. and 8th 
Dec. I shall take leave to consider together, as the one 
is properly the forerunner of the other, the proceedings 
of the Assembly having exactly corresponded with what 
you foretold of them. 

I have laid before his Lordship the Act for the New 
Emission which I have carefully perused and compared 
with the Restraining Law passed here in the 4th of his 
personal majesty. That Law annulls all Paper Emis- 
sions as legal Tenders Mulcts the assenting Govr. in 
1000 Penalty. But the Maryland law not only avoids 
making them legal Tenders affirmatively or even by con- 
structions, but Negatively says they shall not do so, un- 
less by consent, which supersedes all law. It does or 
does not fall within the Prohibition of the English Law, 
if it does not there is no harm done, if it does a Nullity 
and becomes still more innocent to every one except 
your Excellency who must pay 1000 for the sanction you 
have given it, but this is a risque you have cheerfully 
ventured for the good of your country, being (I presume) 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 203 

previously assured of the indemnity of the Lower House. 
But if you cannot depend upon them your situation is 
still better, the Law not only steers clear of the letter 
but of the mischiefs condemned in the several American 
Emissions and co-incides with the true restraining Policy 
by at once limiting a certain period for Redemption and 
providing and appropriating a solid substantial equiva- 
lent in money in the English funds under the direction of 
unexceptionable Trustees to be applyed in sinking the 
bills, when the period of their existence is determined. 
In this light the Law appears highly meritorious and does 
the greatest credit to Maryland, an example the other 
colonies are far from emulating being all engaged at 
this time in an application to get the last Restraining 
Law repealed or qualified and New Modelled in which 
they have a considerable prospect of success and I shall 
give them every assistance in my power, if it be only to 
take off the ignominy of those letters from Mayland, 
which I am sure she will never want. That the law is 
calculated for the general good of the Province is a 
sufficient motive to induce the Law Proprietary's concur- 
rence and you have already assured him, so far from 
being a Prejudice to his private revendue, it will greatly 
facilitate and promote the collection of it. I am there- 
fore directed to signify his entire satisfaction in and ap- 
probation of the Law. 

And in so doing has given it me expressly in charge 
to request your Excellency will " render his grateful 
acknowledgments to the Two Houses of Assembly for 
the recent mark of their respect and attention to him in 
placing the trustees appointed in London for the execu- 
tion of the trusts in this law under his superintendency 
and direction. And to assure them, that he shall have 
the greatest satisfaction in complying with their desires 



204 HISTORICAL PAPER. 

upon every occasion, and, more especially in a matter of 
so great importance to the Welfare of the Province as 
the Trust reposed in those gentlemen." 

The passing the Journal of Accounts is a great point 
carried and will I hope restore a temporary tranquility at 
least. The reference of the salary of the Clerk of the 
Council to the King in Council is an appeal to a juris- 
diction which his Lordship has often recommended and 
wishes to resort to upon every difference in opinion be- 
tween him and his Province by which their Mutual mis- 
apprehensions may be rectifyed without interrupting the 
Public Peace. I have seen the parting resolves of the 
Lower House and their advertizement for a Liberty 
Lottery, calculated as it should seem by a kind of 
fatality to Counteract their own gracious address, for 
tho' the one may be intended to introduce the other will 
scarce fail to fustrate and disappoint their appeal even 
independent of its merits, and they may be assured I 
will fully avail myself of it at a proper time. At present 
no petition has come into the office when it does you 
shall have a copy immediately, and I doubt not sufficient 
notice to forward the materials you are preparing. Per- 
haps it may come in the shape of a complaint, and then 
the Upper House must have an opportunity to return 
their answer. 1 have retained Mr. York and Sir 
Fletcher Norton as Counsel for theiLord Proprietor and 
the Upper House in all disputes with the Lower House 
and I believe your Excellency will think they can scarce 
be in better hands. 

I have carefully perused the Registers Act and your 
Excellency's observations upon it and though I should 
have liked it better had the clause formerly offered by 
the Upper House been adopted for making the payment 
of the Quit Rents a preliminary to the Registry. Yet I 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 



205 



Still think it a very beneficial Law to the Proprietor as 
he must have notice of every alienation, the clerks being 
of his own appointment and under his own direction, 
and having notice, there cannot be a right without a 
remedy. It was with this view the sale of the Manors 
was originally directed to be by bargain and sale, a 
Registry being essential to that mode of conveyance. 
The evasion of paying quit rents sprung from the con- 
cealment of the transaction by dormant transfers but this 
Law brings them all to light, and puts every species of 
conveyance upon the same footing. It half does the 
Proprietor's business by giving him immediate Notice of 
every alienation, and if after notice, proper care be not 
taken to recover his dues, the fault is his agents and not 
that of the law. If the want of a remedy to enforce such 
payment be objected to this Law the same objection lay 
against the former Law of which this appears almost a 
transcript. But if it does not do the whole business why 
not accept the half and be thank full for what we have 
got, and indeed if we get nothing by it, as long as it 
does not deprive us of any right we enjoyed before, I 
see no reason why considerations arising from his Lord- 
ship's private interest should defeat a General Law of 
so salutary a tendency as a General Registers Act which 
likewise strengthens the hands of Government in other 
respects by making the true situation and circumstances 
of every individual publickly known. But yor Excellency 
agrees the act is desirable on every account. If the 
alienation find be recoverable in the Chancery Court 
according to Mr. Dulaneys opinion in which I entirely 
concur with him and I have known in my own experience 
a Decree given in the Court of Chancery for establish- 
ing a right to a six penny quit rent for the jurisdiction 
of that Court is not limited in matters of Real property. 



206. HISTORICAL PAPER. 

His Lordship therefore seems at present ver)' indined 
to assent to this Law unless your Excellency should still 
think he ought not to do so. But if he does assent he 
desires you will immediately issue instructions to the 
Clerks of the Provincial and County Courts as mentioned 
in your letter to him and if the sanction of his authority 
be wanting, he will immediately send it. 

The miscarriage of the two bills, for regulating 
Ordinarys, licencing Pedlars, and of the Act of Grati- 
tude, is imputable to the Lower House only, and it gives 
his Lordship equal pleasure to see the Upper House 
asserting their own rights as his. The Act of Gratitude 
was plainly a sequel to the address to give weight to 
their representation, and to interest administration in 
their cause and to throw the odium of the disappoint- 
ment upon the Upper House. But the disguise has 
been so coarse as to be easily seen through and the very 
proceedings from which they meant to derive so much 
advantage, only furnishes a further instance of their 
irregularity and disorderly conduct, and has betrayed 
them into still greater irregularitys, by giving birth to 
such resolves, as I hope will never appear upon the 
journals of a British House of Commons, for the Crown 
has been long restrained from these sorts of free gifts, 
and I should think every individual who dared to take a 
single shilling subscription to the Lottery as a Member 
of the House upon a bare resolve only, without an Act 
during the recess of the Assembly, would be liable to a 
prosecution by the Attorney General for a misdemeanor. 
But as he may not care to undertake the task, they may 
depend upon hearing of it when they come before the 
Council, and I am very glad the Upper House have not 
followed their example I have looked into Bacon's Law 
in hopes to have found an act Prohibitory of Private 



HISTORICAL PAPER. lOj 

Lotterys as in England that the subscribers too might 
have partook of the prosecution and am very sorry I 
cannot find one. 

The address of the Lower House was received and 
presented by Mr. Garth a few days before the arrival of 
that from the Upper House. The latter came to hand 
a few days since and was on Tuesday last presented by 
his Lordship in form to the King who received it very 
Graciously and nothing could be better timed than both 
addresses were, nor more proper or suitable to the 
occasion. The moderation of the Lower House in 
recompencing the sufferers in the late disturbances does 
them great Honor, and in some measure atones for their 
other errors. 

A very extraordinary Petition has been trans- 
mitted, by the Merchants of New York, to the Board 
of Trade, and by them laid before the House of 
Commons who have ordered it to lye upon the table 
for the present, with a view of soon taking it up again 
together with the general consideration of the Colonies 
I fear not so much to their advantage as a more 
temperate conduct is some of them might have en- 
titled them to expect, for the Ministry (if any we 
have) plainly confess they know not what to do 
with those refractory Colonies and the opposition 
are watching every opportunity to push them upon 
extremities. 

I find Capt. Love will go near to ship 144 Obelisks 
instead of the 120 I mentioned. 

Lord Strafford having accepted the offer of your 
Excellency's assistance has furnished me with the 
enclosed documents and a Power to Mr. Ridout which 
he is request to execute and return an account of his 
proceedings. 



208 HISTORICAL PAPER. 

Lord Baltimore's stock of Madeira being nearly- 
exhausted he desires you will furnish him a further sup- 
ply of two pipes by the first opportunity. 

And he requests your Excellency and the other Com- 
missioners to close Mr. Loyd's accounts with all reason- 
able dispatch neither induliging nor distressing him too 
much. Its now a considerable time since this work was 
first entered upon and Mr. Jordans friends must wish him 
to turn his face homewards. His Lordship was some 
time since informed that Mr. John Ross the Deputy 
appointed by Mr. Loyd for the Western Shoar was dead, 
and if a deputy be necessary desires to know who is , 
appointed his successor. Mr. Loyd in September last 
made his Lordship a remittance of 2066.. 1 6.. 3^ and in 
November following of 2669. .2. .8)^ for the years 1765 
and 1766. 

Mr. Bury, a neighbour of his Lordships in the Country, 
having a son, who keeps a school at Baltimore, has 
desired his Lordship's encouragement and countenance 
to him. In that light your Excellency Is desired to take 
some notice of him and if any thing proper offers to 
give him such assistance as he may deserve. 

His Lordship is informed there is a piece of land of 
about an acre or an acre and an half on the Shoar of 
Annapolis lying vacant and unimproved but claimed by 
the Corporation of that City and adjoining to the Land 
of one Middleton. This your Excellency is desired not 
to patent or suffer to be taken up till further orders from 
his Lordship and in the meantime to furnish him with the 
value at what fine and what rent to be let. 

His Lordship requests you will send me two or three 
of the Maryland Gazettes with the advertisement of the 
Liberty Lottery which seems so extraordinary as scarce 
to eain credit. 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 2O9 

I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem and 
regard. 

Dr. Sr. 

Your most Faithfull Hble. Servt. 

Hugh Hamersley. 

Sergts. Inn London, 
20th Feby. 1767. 



Sergts. Inn, London, 20th July, 1767. 
His Excellency, Horatio Sharp, Esq. 

Sir. — I am favoured with your Excellency's letter of 
the first of March last, intimating the honour done one 
by the Gentlemen of the Upper House in appointing 
me their solicitor and Agent to support and prosecute 
the appealee to the King in Council, agreed between 
the two Houses of Assembly in respect to the contested 
salary of the Clerk of the Council, and am to request 
your Excellency will be pleased to make my best 
acknowledgments to the gentlemen for the honor they 
have done me, and to assure them of my utmost zeal 
and attention to support the struggle they have so gen- 
erously and disinterestedly engaged in, on behalf of the 
Lord Proprietary, and his Government. At present I 
do not find any steps taken by the Lower House, and 
the Gentlemen will please to consider whether they 
cause to take lead. With the equal concurrence of both 
partys, a determination might be had in the course of 
the ensuing Spring, but a backwardness in either may 
postpone it till the following Winter or longer, and the 
loss will be the same as the expense, which will be more 
or less according to the spirit of Litigation, the length of 



2 I O JAMES GKEENLEAF TO S VL VAA'US BOURNE, Esq. 

the papers, and the importance of the subject. Nor 
will it be possible to form a conjecture as to either par- 
ticular, till some further progress is made in the busi- 
ness, and then it will be time enough to make a Pro 
vision for the expence. I am with great regard, 
Sr. 
Yor. Excellency's 

Most Obedt. Hble. Servt. 

Hugh Hamersley. 



JAS. GREENLEAF to SYLVANUS BOURNE, Esq. 

Philadelphia, June 25, 1794. 

Sylvanus Bourne, Esquire, Antsterdavi. 

Mv Dear Sir. — Since my last I have rec'd no advices 
from you ; I just arrived here and shall depart in a few 
hours for Washington, and shall be followed by Messrs. 
Morris and Nicholson. Our principle object at the 
Fedl. City is to select and obtain the Fee simple of a 
sufficiency of our Lots, to enable you to conform imme- 
diately to yr. engagem'ts should you (which I deem 
almost certain) have succeeded in obtaining the loan for 
$800,000 Ds., at all events we shall forward you in due 
form the titles we obtain, and in case you should not 
have succeeded in the first instance you must imme- 
diately bring forward a plan for raising from 600,000 
to 1,000,000 Drs. & in the execution of which I hereby 
give you in our joint behalf a Carte blajiche in the full 
reliance on your judgment & attention in securing to us 
every possible advantage that the nature of the plan you 



yAMES GREENLEAF TO SYL VANUS BOURNE, Esq. 2 I I 

execute will admit of, & that you will loose no time in 
transmitting proper letters of credit. 

You will receive by the present conveyance (the 
Grace, Capn. Armour) such Maps of our Georgia Lands 
as we have time to prepare, and the residue shall be 
forwarded as soon as possible — Mr. R. Morris Junr. is 
directed to furnish you immediately a full power for dis- 
posing of all the lands of which the title is invested in 
him — he will furnish you also a laws of the State of 
Georgia, relative to the alienation of property, which it 
will be essentially necessary you should exhibit to the 
buyer or money lender — We shall send you also by the 
Grace unlimited power for acting in our behalf with 
regard to^alienation to the same. 

Our purchases in land have been immensely extensive 
and advantageous but to face our engagements we shall 
want large supplies of money ; you must, therefore, 
bring forward some negotiations on lands & force its 
success if possible — We prefer borrowing money to sell- 
ing our lands, but if we must sell, you may, if nothing 
better can be done, part with them at two guilders per 
acre ; lower than that we cannot authorize. 

In the place of the bills last drawn on you for ^45,000 
which will not appear, (except perhaps a small amount 
— sent to N. York & Boston for sale) I shall pass R. 
Morris's Bills on me favg. John Nicholson for the 
same Amount, and shall accept them here ; as by this 
mode, which will be more pleasing to the buyer we shall 
make a considerable saving in the sale, and our respon- 
sibility is in no respect increased ; as in either case I 
must be in Holland to face the bills; and in case of 
accident to me, sufficient insurance will have been made 
on my life to face all our engagements in Europe of 
every possible nature. 



2 I 2 WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF ROBERT MORRIS. 

I have no time to add' further or to write to our 
worthy friend Gerard. Please read him this letter and 
hand him the inclosed receipt. Remember me kindly to 
all our friends, & believe me very cordially and affec- 
tionately, 

Yr. Sincere Friend, 

James Greenleaf. 

Note. — The first paragraph refers to the 5000 lots purchased by Morris & Green- 
leaf from the United States Government at Washington, D. C. The latter to the 
Georgia Land Company; both not only proved a failure but completed bankruptcy 
and arrest of Mr, Morris for debt. See Warrant. W. F. B. 



WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF ROBERT 
MORRIS, FIRST FINANCIER. 

Pennsylvania, ss. 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, To the Sheriff 
of Philadelphia County, Greeting : We command you, 
That you take Robert Morris late of your County, if he 
may be found in your Bailiwick and him safely keep so 
that you may have his Body before the Justices of the 
Supreme Court at the same Court, to be held at Phila- 
delphia the thirtieth day of December next, to satisfy 
Amos Alexander and William Whan Indorsee of Robert 
Morris of the sum of twenty thousand and nineteen 
dollars and forty four cents lawful money of Pennsyl- 
vania which the said Amos and William lately recovered 
in our said Court against the said Robert as well for their 
damages which they had sustained by reason of the non- 
performance of certain promise and assumption by the 
said Robert to the said Amos and William made as for 
their costs and Charges by them about their suit in that 
behalf expended, whereof the said Robert is convict as 



WARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF ROBE R T MORRIS. 2 I 3 

appears of Record, and have you then there the writ, 
Witness the Honorable Thomas McKean Esquire 
Doctor of Laws, Chief Justices of the said Supreme 
Court at Philadelphia the sixteenth day of September in 
the year of our Lord MDCCXCVII. 

Edw. Burdprot. 

Real debt 10,000 dolls. Interest from 3d July 1797 
till 4th Sept. 1797. Int. from 4th Sept. 1797 till paid. 
Proty. 2 pounds, 10 shillings and 4 pence, Atty. 3 pounds 
13 shillings and six pence, Shff i pound o shillings and 
six pence. Cryer o pounds, o shilling and six pence. 
7 pounds 5 shillings and 10 pence If sat. ackd. proct. 
I shilling and 10 pence, Casa Atty. 13 shillings and 6 
pence. Rec. Deer. 26 at 30 min. past nine o'clock A. 
M. — Non est inventus so answers Adam Clampffer. 

John Baker, Shff. 



Pennsylvania, ss. 

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, To the Sheriff 
of Philadelphia County, Greeting: We command That 
you take Robert Morris late of your County Esquire, if 
he may be found in your Bailiwick and him safely keep, 
so that you may have his body before the Justices of our 
supreme Court at the same Court to be held at Philadel- 
phia the thirtieth day of December next to satisfy Wil- 
liam Cliften Junior Indorsee of John Nicholson of the 
sum of five thousand and fifteen Dollars and seventy five 
cents lawful money of Pennsylvania which the said Wil- 
liam lately recovered in our said Court against the said 
Robert as well for his damages which he had sustained by 
reason of the nonperformance of a certain promise and 



2 14 iVARRANT FOR THE ARREST OF ROBERT AfORR/S. 

assumption by the said Robert to the said Wilham made 
as for his costs and charges by him about his suit in that 
behalf expended, whereof the said Robert is Convict as 
appears of record, And have you then there the writ, 
Witness the Honorable Thomas McKean Esquire 
Doctor of Laws Chief Justices of the said Supreme 
Court, at Philadelphia the sixteenth day of September in 
the year of Our Lord MDCCXCVII. 

Edw. Burdprot. 

Real debt 32 20^s_5_ dolls. Int. from i8th Dec. 1797 
till paid, Cost Pst. 2 pounds 12 shillings and 2 pence. 
Atty. 3 pounds o shillings and o pence ; Shff. o pounds 

4 shillings and o pence. Cryer i shilling and 6 pence. 

5 pounds 17 shillings 8 pence. iSttj^ dolls. If sat. 
Ackd. prot 25 cents Casa Pltff 1^%^ Deer. 23d 1797, non 
est inventus, so answers Adm. Clampffer, 

Jon. Pimose, Shff. 

I Certify that the foregoing are true copies of writ of 
execution issued out of the Supreme Court of Pennsyl- 
vania to the Sheriff of Philadelphia County with returns 
thereto of the said Sheriff. 

In Witness whereof I have hereto set my 
hand and affixed the seal of the said Su- 
preme Court at Philadelphia this fifth day 
of July Anno Domini MDCCXCVIII. 

Edwd. Burdprot. 



Note. — Mr. Morris was the son of Robert Morris of Oxford, Maryland, and the 
youth referred to in his Will on the 51st page, and Superintendent of finances, re- 
ferred to on page 35, from 1781 to 1784. W. F. B. 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 

Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Chatham, 
1814. 



Chatham, qth September, 1814. 

We, the subscribers, of the United States Army, 
prisoners of war confined at this place, acknowledge to 
have received of Reuben Gaunt Beasley, Agent for 
American prisoners of war in Great Britain, the sums of 
money annexed to our names respectively, being in full 
of our pay from the 30th of July to the 30th August, 
inclusive : 



Number on 

Depot 
Entry-Book. 



Regiment. 



Time Paid For. 



Months. Days 



Am't 

of 
Pay. 



3.046 
3.049 
3.047 
3.048 
3.050 
3.052 
3.053 
3.052 
3.054 
3.085 
3.081 
3.083 
3,082 
3.084 
3,074 
3.077 
3.075 
3.063 
3,058 
3.060 
3.070 
3.073 
3.079 



C. H. Frank . 
Jno. Woolton . 
Wm. Cashman 
Jno. Tomlinson 
Geo. Henry 
Jos. Childers . 
Jos. H. Moon . 
Jas. Drummond 
Fred'k House . 
Ab'm Siers . . 
Amot Hedden 
M'l Brown . . 
Gilbert Burlow 
H. C. Goodrich 
Jno. H. Cook . 
Jno. D. Gray . 
Mich'l Hoff . 
Isaac Kellogg 
Stephen Hill . 
Jno. Carr . . 
Rob't Magee . 
Jno. Staley . . 
Dav'd Managhan 



Serg't. 
Private. 
Corporal. 
Private. 



(215) 



2 L. Drag's. 



3 L. Art'y. 
6 R. Inf y. 



14 R. Inf y. 



8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 

II 00 
8 00 

10 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 



2l6 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 



Number on 

Depot 
Entry-Book. 



Regiment. 



Time Paid For. 



Months. Days. 



3.069 
3.072 
3,066 
3.070 
3.080 
3,059 
3,067 
3.057 
3,064 
3.071 
3,065 
3.062 
3,078 
3.061 
3,086 
3,089 
3.087 
3.088 
3.090 
3,094 
5 
6 
7 



3 
4 
5 
6 

7 
S 

9 
10 

3.112 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 



Dav'dCountz . 
James Avis . . 
Laban Riggin . 
H'y Chambers 
Rich'd Taggart 
Geo. Hargood 
Wm. Watson . 
Jacob Cords . 
John Myers. . 
M'l Myers 
Jos'a Tarman . 
Edw'd Andrews 
Geo. Demcey . 
John Fundevill 
Sam'l Thomas 
A. Gilbert . . 
Ez'l Harrington 
T. Wilder . . 
Nath'l Niles . 
A. Bowen . . 
J. Strood . . . 
Wm. Bowen . 
J. Brison . . . 
R. Beard. . . 
H. Frazier . . 
M. Brodert . . 
J. Lovertel . . 
jno. White . . 
Wm. King . . 
D. Andrews . 
Ch's Duguemoy 
J. Jenny . . . 
Stephen Clarke 
J. Beals . . . 
Dav. Andrews 
J. Powers . . 
Tho's Davis . 
C. Winn . . . 
John Scott . . 
T. Griffin . . . 
G. Booth . . . 
Wm. Spaldings 
J. Davis . . . 
T. Cain . . . 
Jno. Rhea . . 
J. Black . . . 
J. Baird . . . 
Jno. Maddock 
Martin Bollard 
Rich'd Scriven 
Mark Simpson 
M. Grimes . . 
A. Williams . 



Private. 



14 R. Infy 



Serg't. 
Private. 



15 R. Infy 
23 R. luPy 



14 R. 



Infy 



Artillery. 
14 R. Infy. 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 



217 



Number on 

Depot 
Entry-Book. 



Name. 



Regiment. 



Time Paid For. 



Months. Days. 



Am't 
of 



3.'32 
3 
4 

3,035 

6 

8 

40 



5 
6 
7 
8 

3.159 
60 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 

2,612 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 



3 
5 
2,626 
7 
8 
9 
30 



Stephen Miller 
Jno. Hatter . . 
J. Ramsey . . 
Jno. M. Hurd 

C. Thistlewood 
J, Wageman . 
Jno. FuUerton . 
J. Hunter . . 
Godfrey Nybro 

D. Patten . . 
Alfred Leonard 
S. Whitman . 
Ant'y Wheeler 
M. Winner . . 
J. Jacobs . . . 
Geo. Slaughter 
Wm. N. Jones 
Ahaz Cook . . 
Arthur Forrester 
T. Logan. . 
Jugh Johnson 
Abra. West . 

A. Ritchie . 
Job Price . . 
Alfred Willis 
C. Mitchell . 
H'y Welch . 
G. Murphy . 
W. Martin . 
R'd Dandridge 
R. Perkins 
Jno. Matthews 
R. McGinnis 
J. Brown , . 
J.Smith . . 
S. Gray . . 
W. Sloan . 
J. McKay . 
C. McEver . 
J. Todd . . 
P. Kehr . . 
J. Scott . . 
J. Brown 

E. Dibbins . 
C. Kelly . . 
G. Courtney 
Ch's Denvon 
Tho's Stewart 
J. Smiley. 
Tho's Taggart 
R. Maxwell 
J. McGoan . 
J. Henry . . 



Serg't. 
Private. 



14 R. Inf'y 



6 R. Ini'y. 
Artillery. 
14 R. Infy. 



Artillery. 
14 R. Infy. 

16 R. 

14 R. InPy. 
L. Drag's. 
14 R. Int'y. 



I L. Drag. 

14 R. InPy. 
I L. Drag. 

14 R. Infy. 



8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 cx> 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 

8 CXD 

8 era 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
II 00 
II 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 

8 CXD 

8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 CO 
8 CO 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 

8 CX3 

8 CO 
8 00 
8 oa 
8 00 
8 CO 



2l8 



HISTORICAL PAPER. 











Time Paid For. 1 




Number on 


Name. 


Rank. 


Regiment. 




Am't 


Depot 






of 


Entry- Book. 








Months. Days. 


Fay. 


2,634 


A. Anderson . . . 


Private. 


14 R. Infy. 






|8 00 


5 


E. Denmead . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


6 


D. Carbody . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


7 


J. Doud 


" 


" 






8 c» 


8 


Geo. McMuUin . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


9 


Dom'c Cannon . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


40 


Mat. Flaherty . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


I 


C. O'Nail .... 


*' 


** 






8 00 


2 


Jas. Gwin .... 


" 


" 






8 00 


3 


W. Kelly .... 


" 


" 






8 00 


4 


Jas. Miller .... 


" 


" 






8 00 


5 


A. Patterson . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


8 


R. Norton .... 


" 


6 R. Infy. 






8 00 


2,649 


Jno. Pinney . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


50 


J. Hunter .... 


" 


" 






8 00 


I 


E. Cranney . . . 


'* 


'* 






8 00 


2 


Ed. Norman . 


" 


" 






8 00 


3 


And. Cole .... 


" 


" 






8 00 


7 


J. Harry 


I " 


" 






8 00 


8 


Jno. Watson . . . 


" 


N. Y. Mil. 






8 00 


1,616 


Geo. McCamman . 


" 


13 R. Line, 






8 00 


7 


Peter Barr .... 


" 


" 






8 00 


8 


P'k McBrahertz . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


9 


Jno. Gill 


" 


" 






8 00 


20 


J. McGowan . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


I 


John Dalton . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


2 


Mat Mooney . . . 


** 


" 






8 00 


3 


Jno. Dinimey . . . 


" 


** 






8 00 


4 


H'y Blaney. . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


5 


M'l Condon , . . 


•' 


" 






8 00 


6 


Jno. Wiley . . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


7 


And'w Donnelly . 


" 


" 






8 00 


8 


Jno. Fitzgerald . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


9 


J. Clarke 


" 


*' 






8 00 


1,630 

I 


H'y Kelly . . . . 
E. Ganaghan . . . 


:: 


. !! 






8 00 
8 00 


2 


T. Williams . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


3 


Geo. Johnston . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


4 


Pat. Kearns . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


5 


M. Shields . . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


6 


And'w Doyle . . . 


" 


" 






8 00 


2,647 


James Evans . . . 


" 


23 R. Infy 






8 00 


2,663 


Jno. Fitzpatrick . . 


" 


2d H'y Art 






8 c» 


3,472 


Theo. Bijoure . . 


'* 


14 R. InPy 






8 00 



historical paper. 2i9 

Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Dartmoor. 



[Duplicate.] Dartmoor, 30TH November, 18 14. 

We, the subscribers of the United States Army, pris- 
oners of war confined at this place, acknowledge to have 
received of R. G. Beasley, Agent for American prisoners 
of war in Great Britain, the sums^annexed to our names 
respectively, being in full of our pay from the 31st Oc- 
tober to the 30th November, inclusively : 



Number on 

Depot 
Entry-Book. 



Regiment. 



Time Paid For. 



Months. Days, 



Am't 
of 



5.252 
3 
4 
S 
6 

7 
8 

9 
60 



G. McCamman 
Peter Barr . . 
P'k McBrahutz 
Jno. Gill . . 
J. McGowan 
Jno. Dalton . 
Mat. Mooney 
J. Diminey . 
H'y Blaney . 
M'l Condon 
Jno. Wiley . 
And'w Donnelly 
Jno. Fitzgerald 
Jno. Clarke . . 
H'y Kelly . . 
E. Ganaghan . 
T. Williams . 
Geo. Johnston . 
Pat. Kearns . . 
M. Shields . . 
And'w Doyle . 



Private. 



13 Reg. Le. 



I R. L. Art. 



4 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 c» 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 



2 20 historical paper. 

Pay Roll of American Prisoners at Dartmoor. 



[Duplicate.] Dartmoor, 31ST December, 1814. 

We, the undersigned, of the United States Army, 
Prisoners of war, confined at this place, acknowledge to 
have received of R. G. Beasley, Esq., Agent for Amer- 
ican prisoners of war in Great Britain, the sums annexed 
to our names respectively, being in full of our pay from 
the 30th November to the 31st December, 1814, inclu- 
sively : 



Number on 

Depot 
Entry-Book. 



5,252 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
60 



G. McCamman 
Peter Barr . . 
P'k McBrahutz 
Jno. Gill . . 
J. McGowan 
Jno. Dalton . 
Mat. Mooiiey 
J. Diminey . 
H'y Blaney . 
M'l Condnn 
John Wiley . 
And'w Donnelly 
Jno. Fitzgerald 
John Clarke . . 
H'y Kelly . . 
E. Ganaghan • 
T. Williams . 
Geo. Johnston 
Pat. Kearns . 
M. Shields . . 
And'w Doyle . 



Regiment. 



13 Reg. Le. 



r R. L. Art, 



Time Paid For. 



Months. Days. 



Am't 
of 
Pay. 



S8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 00 
8 cx) 



LETTERS FROM GENERAL U. S. GRANT. 



Executive Mansion, 

Washington, D. C., Oct. 31st, 1874. 

Dear Judge : — Accept the condolence of Mrs. Grant 
and myself for the loss of your daughter, Mrs. Eghert. 
I have never yet experienced the bereavement of the 
loss of a child, but know it must be grievous. Let us 
hope your loss has been her gain. 

Very Truly Yours, 

U. S. Grant. 

Judge John F. Long. 



Executive Mansion, 

Washington, D. C., Dec. 23d, 1874. 

Dear Judge : — I have deferred answering your last 
letter so that it might be so near the last of the month 
before overdrawing my bank account as to make no 
difference. I enclose you check for $500^^ to make 
good the amount you have advanced and to pay some 
little bills mentioned in your letter. If more is required 
I can send it any time after next week. 

Many thanks for your kindness. 

The Senate by its action yesterday on the finance bill 
have done the best days work for the country and the 
party possible, and one of the best done by that body 
for years. 

Yours Truly, 

U. S. Grant. 

(221) 



222 letters from general u. s. grant. 

Executive Mansion, 

Washington, D. C, Oct. 15th, 1875. 

Dear Judge : — Mr. Frank Wells has arrived with the 
eight horses in his charge, in fair condition, with the 
exception of one of them which was bit by the other 
horses. Nothing serious however. 

I wish you would be good enough to get for me the 
pedigree of the six sent to me, and that you also get the 
same of Claymore for Mr. Hunt. 

We just arrived here this morning, all well after a 
most delightful trip. 

Very Truly Yours, 



U. S. Grant. 



Judge J. F. Long. 



New York City, Oct. 3d, 1882. 

My Dear Judge : — I have held on to my land in St. 
Louis Co. so long, and with such poor results, that I now 
want to offer it at a price that will secure a purchaser. 
If you think of any one likely to wish to buy may offer it 
for f 100,000.00, half cash, balance in one and two years, 
this to include the Carondelet Property of — I believe — 
201 arpents. If this cannot be obtained, and you can 
get an offer please inform me what it is. 

With kind regards to all your family, 

Very Truly, 

U. S. Grant. 



LETTER FROM HON. JOHN F. LONG, SCHOOL 
TEACHER OF MR. LINCOLN. 



Saint Louis, Mo., Feby. lo, 1886. 
VVm. F. BooGHEk, Esq. 

Deapx Sir :— Enclosed I send you letters of the late 
U. S. Grant; whom it was my pleasure to know per- 
sonally for half a Century. He was an honest, brave 
and kmd gentleman,— /z/j whole life above reproach / f 

My sympathies for his amiable widow are still pre- 
valent. She was a sweet litde girl in my school long, 
long ago. 

Very truly yours, 

John F. Long. 




(223) 



INDEX 

(To Annotations only. 



A 

PAGE. 

Aguessean, Count de 38 

Allison, Elizabeth 58 

Andrews, Rev. John 153 

John, Jr 155 

" Letitia 153 

" Moses 153 

Anderson, William 159 

Antoinette, Maria 39 

Apthrop, Charles 127 

" Rev. East 127 

" Grizell 127 

Arnold, Benedict 30-36 

" Benedict, Mrs 34-36 

Armstrong, John, Agt. Gen 158 

Ayon, Count de 38 

B 

Badger, Miss Sarah 123 

Banning, Capt 48 

Bannister, Col. John 175 

Baker, Jacob 158 

Barney, Como Joshua 40 

Barclay, Cornelia Smith, Mrs., iii 

Bedford, Canning 40 

Beckman, Col. ?lenry 175 

" Janet 176 

Beckford, Rt. Hon. William ... 127 

Binney, Dr. Barnabas 109 

" Horace, LL. D 109 

Bingham, Mrs 42 

" William 32 

Biddle, Arms after 70 

" Clement 100 

" Mrs. Mary L m 

" Genealogy 103 

" Nicholas 112 

" Owen 100 

Begnion, Mr 170 



PAGE. 

Black, John 155 

" Margaret 155 

Bond, Ann 138 

Boudinot, Elias 58 

" Elizabeth 58 

" Joseph 58 

Boardman, George D '.. 10 

" Sarah 10 

" Rev. D 10 

Bowen, Nathaniel Bishop 155 

Brantly, Dr 10 

Broglie, Due de 29 

Banner, Andrew, Esq 154 

" Mrs. Sarah 154 

c 

Cadwalader, (Arms) after 70 

Col. John 67-108 

" Major Gen. George log 

" Gen. John 136 

" Frances 136 

Callender, Elizabeth 153 

Mary 153 

" Robert 153 

Callister, Henry 49 

Carter, Elizabeth 175 

Chappellie, M 99 

Chapman, Capt 105 

" Nathaniel, M. D 105 

Chaumont, de Ray M 39 

' ' de Coutulx, Stephen 

Louis 41 

Clark, Dr. John 16 

Clinton, George 155 

Claggett, (Bishop) 156 

Clarkson, Margret Rhuteford.. 28 

Clonet, Miss 41 

Cochran, Dr. John iii 

" James iii 

" Walter L ill 



C— Continued. page. 

Coleman, Edward 156 

" James i 

" Robert 156-157 

Copeley, (Artist) 40 

Comwallis, Lord 159 

Couteulx, La Anthony 41 

Coins, (Rarest) 150 

Coombe, Rev. John R 123 

" Sarah 123 

" Rev. Thomas 122-123 

Corcoran, W. W 93-94 

Cuthbert, Rev. Dr 10 

Cunliff, Foster, Esq 48 

Curzen, Ashton, M. P 127 

D 

Dickinson, Col. John 68 

Dorsey, Col 21 

Dunlap, Thomas 112 

E 

Edwards, Morgan 9 

Evans, Peter, Esq 136 

Erskin, John Cadwalader 136 

" David 136 

" Frances 136 

" Thomas 136 

F 

Farley, Major James Parke 175 

Farmer, John 10 

" Sarah 10 

Fennel, James, (Actor) 157 

Fisher, Eliza 154 

" Samuel 154 

Fleeson, Judge Plunket 15 

Mr . 15 

Franks, S. David 36 

Franklin, Benjamin 40-128 

" William, Gov 128 

French, Philip 32 

" Susannah 32 

Fry, William 15 

Francois, (Marquis) 30 

Francis, Tench 34 

Fuller, Dr. Richard 10 

G 

Girard 30 



PAGE. 

Girard, Stephen 109 

Gooch, Wm 183 

Goodhue, Lawrence 24 

Grubb, Peter 156 

Guild, Dr 9 

Grizell, Mrs 127 

H 

Harrison, Richard 37-38 

Harper, R. G 137 

Hamilton, Gov 12S 

Heap, Mrs. Consul General 93 

Hill, Sir Roland 159 

Holmes, Obediah 16 

Holcombe, Henrj', D. D 9 

Holder, Thomas 57 

Holker,John 31 

Hook, Marcus 18 

Howard, John Edgar, Gov 44 /f 

Hussey, Rebecca 128 ■ 

" Stephen 128 

" Sarah 128 

I 

Ide, Rev. Dr 10 

Ingles,(Bisbop),Charles.. 22-124-125 i. S 
Izard, Gen. George 175 

J 

Jay, John 31 

" Mrs. John 31 

" Peter Augustus 26-28 

Jackson, President 109 

Johnson, Sir William 128 

Jones, Horatio Gates 56 

" Hugh :85 

" Robert S 13 

K 

Kane, Col. John 38 

" Hon. John K 109 

" Sallie 38 

Kay, Rev 181 

Kelly, Rev. Erasmus 16 

Kemp, James 156 

Kemeys, Mrs. Katharine S til 

Kinnersley, Mr 11 



L 

PAGE. 

Latimer, George 159 

La Fayette, Marquis 38 

" Madam 38 

Le Roy, Admiral 157 

Levering, Abraham 12 

■' Mrs 12 

Lewis, Rebecca 128 

Livingston , Catharine 28-37-42 

" John 28 

" Henry B 31 

" William, Gov 31 

" Mrs 32 

" Margaretta S 176 

" Margaret B., Mrs., 176 

Lindsay, Sir John 135 

LI oy d, Thomas 30-102 

" Sarah 30-102 

Loring, Capt. Joshua 70 

Luzerne, La de Chevalier 29-30 

" Ann Caesar 29 

M 

Madison, President 158 

Matlack, Timothy 173 

" Family 173 

Marshall, Chief Justice 33 

Mrs :iT, 

" Hon. James M 33 

Mease, James M. D 89 

Mead, (Bishop) 183 

Meredith, Elizabeth 153 

" Francis 136 

" John 136 

" William 153 

" Hon. William M 154 

" Sir William 127 

Meigs, D. Charles, M. D 108 

Miles, General 14 

Middleton, Judge Hugh 22 

Monroe, President 158 

Moore, Daniel 136 

" John 136 

" William, Esq 30-102 

" Elizabeth 30-102 

Monk, General 40 

Morris, Andrew 49 

" Governeur 153 



PAGE. 

ris, Hetty 33 

Maudlin 49 

Maria 28 

Robert Hunter 128 

Robert, Jr 37 

Robert, Sr., (Will) 49 

Thomas 37-38 

N 

Nixon, Col. John 28-37-42 

" Henry 28-37-42 

" Maria 28-42 



Oaffer,Joane 57 

Ogdon, Mr 25 

Miss 153 

Old, Edward 157 

" Robert 157 

Onderdonk, (Bishop) 156 



Payne, John Howard 93 

Patterson, General 109 

Penn, William .. 89 

Pintard, Lewis 68 

" Susannah 68 

Powell, Elizabeth 42 

" Samuel 42 

" Mrs 42 

Polignac, Count de Jules 39 

" Madam 11 

Pratt, Henry 154 

" Mathew 154 



Raleigh, Sir Walter 105 

Read, Geo 23-25 

" British Counsel 99 

Reeks, Stephen 193 

Ridgley, Abraham 22 

" Benjamin 22 

" Charles 20-22 

" Elizabeth 20-22 

Family 53 

" Dr. Charles 20 

" John 22-24-25 

" Mary 11-22 



R— Continued. page. 

Ridgley, Nicholas 20-22 

" Nicholas, Jr 22 

" Rachel 22-23 

Ridley, Mathew 28-37-42 

Riley, Hon. Richard iS-23 

Rittenhouse, David loi 

Roberdeau, Col. Daniel 68 

Rogers, William, D. D 9 

Ross, John 175 

Rutter, Sarah 122 

s 

Schuyler, Gertrude Iii 

" Peter Ill 

" Major Gen. Philip... ill 

Scott, Rev. Mr 183 

Seaton, Miss 24-25 

" James 24-25 

Shippen, Chief Justice Edward, 34 

" Margaret 34 

" Miss Beggy 34 

" Thomas Lee 175 

" Dr. Wm 175 

Sheep (Merino) 41 

Shoemaker, Ann 37 

" Benjamin 37 

Slaughter, Rev. William, D. D., 9 

Smith, W. Cornelia 111 

" Jonathan B 154 

" Judge Peter iii 

" Hon. Peter Sken Ill 

" Hon. Gerrit iii 

" Dr. William 123-127 

" Steigel (Barron) 157 

Stump, Miss 157 

T 

Thomas, Gov 128 

Tilghman, Edward 4S-109 

Tindall, Thomas 193 

Tousard, Gen 41 

Travis, Ann 136 

" John, Esq 136 

Trent, Capt. William 128 

Trecothick, Barlow, Esq 127 



PAGE. 

Trecothick, James 127 

Trumbull (Artist) 40 

Turner, Admiral Thomas 114 

Tucker, Hon 24 

Taylor, Consul 99 

u 

Ustick, Rev. Dr 9 

V 

Vining, Benjamin 20-24-25 

" Charles 25 

" Henry W 25 

" John, Chief Justice 

22-23-24 

" John 23 

" Hon. John 25 

" Mary 24-25 

" Phoebe 23 

" Seaton 25 

" William 20 

Vicaris, Rev. Mr 183 

w 

Walsh, Robert, LL. D 136 

Walter, Ellen, Mrs ill 

Washington, Gen. Geo 40-6S 

Wellington, General 159 

White, Armes after 70 

" Bishop 40-123 

" Mary 26 

Wliarton, Hannah 128 

" Joseph 128 

" Samuel 128 

Whitaker, Rev. Mr 177 

Williams, Gen. Jonathan, Jr... 104 

" Jonathan, Sr 104 

" (Crest) after 70 

Winchester, Rev. Dr 9 

Willing, Ann 32-42 

" Elizabeth 42 

" Morris 175 

" Thomas 32-33-42 

Wynkop, Abraham 22 

" Mary 22. 

" Phoebe aaX, 



227 



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